GALANTHIS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Galanthis was a mortal woman of Greek mythology, of whom a tale of metamorphosis was told.
Galanthis of Thebes
Galanthis was a mortal woman named as a daughter of Proetus, a Theban, who is otherwise unknown. Galanthis was regarded as a friend and attendant of Alcmene, the wife of Amphitryon, and comes to prominence when Alcmene was in labour.
The Intrigue of Hera
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Alcmene was not pregnant with the son of Amphitryon though, for she was instead carrying the offspring of Zeus. Zeus had proclaimed that the boy born of the line of Perseus was destined to rule Mycenae.
Zeus of course meant for this to be the boy born to Alcmene, but the intervention of Hera, caused the birth of Eurystheus to precede that of Heracles. |
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Hera put Eileithyia, Greek goddess of childbirth, to work, delaying Alcmene from giving birth; and so for seven days and seven nights, Alcmene was unable to give birth. Hera ultimately hoped that mother and unborn child would eventually die.
Galanthis Tricks the Gods
Galanthis would then spot Eileithyia sitting by the bed chamber door, sitting with clenched hands upon her crossed legs, preventing Alcmene from giving birth.
The quick-witted Galanthis realised what was happening, and so shouted out a joyful proclamation that Alcmene had given birth to a healthy child. Eileithyia was shocked to hear that somehow her intervention had failed, and so stood up, breaking the spell that was preventing Alcmene from giving birth. Thus, Alcmene gave birth Zeus’ son, Heracles.
For daring to interfere in the work of the gods, and trick Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth transformed Galanthis into a weasel (or polecat). Galanthis would thus have to live out a life living in dark holes and tunnels.
The goddess Hecate would take pity upon Galanthis, and would make the weasel one of her sacred animals; although the belief remained that if a pregnant woman saw a weasel running past them, then they would endure labour pains.
The quick-witted Galanthis realised what was happening, and so shouted out a joyful proclamation that Alcmene had given birth to a healthy child. Eileithyia was shocked to hear that somehow her intervention had failed, and so stood up, breaking the spell that was preventing Alcmene from giving birth. Thus, Alcmene gave birth Zeus’ son, Heracles.
For daring to interfere in the work of the gods, and trick Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth transformed Galanthis into a weasel (or polecat). Galanthis would thus have to live out a life living in dark holes and tunnels.
The goddess Hecate would take pity upon Galanthis, and would make the weasel one of her sacred animals; although the belief remained that if a pregnant woman saw a weasel running past them, then they would endure labour pains.
Giving Thanks to Galanthis
When of age it was said that Heracles constructed a sanctuary dedicated to Galanthis, as an act of thanks for aiding his birth. Throughout antiquity it was expected of Thebans to offer sacrifices to Galanthis during the festival of Heracles.
A similar tale is told of Historis, a daughter of the blind seer Tiresias.
A similar tale is told of Historis, a daughter of the blind seer Tiresias.
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Colin Quartermain - Galanthis - 12th April 2026