Eileithyia was the goddess of childbirth in ancient Greek mythology. Her worship was primarily focused on this specific aspect of human life. The sacred animals associated with Eileithyia are the cow and the peacock. They symbolize fertility and beauty, linking her to life and aesthetic aspects of nature.  Eileithyia’s birthplace in Crete emphasizes the island’s significance in Greek mythology. Particularly as a site of divine happenings and mystical births.  She had the power to delay and induce birth.

• The cave near Knossos, associated with Eileithyia’s birth, serves as a physical representation of the womb.

• Eileithyia’s involvement in the birth of Heracles showcases the intertwining of divine influence with the lives of heroes.

• Eileithyia’s shrines, particularly in Olympia and Crete, were central to rituals and ceremonies aimed at ensuring safe childbirth. There are many shrines to honor Eileithyia.

• The stalactites and stalagmites in Eileithyia’s birth cave symbolizie her powers of labor induction and delay. Demonstrating the Greeks’ use of natural formations to represent divine attributes.