Greek Mythology: Leto and the Birth of the Twin Gods

Leto was the Titan Goddess of Motherhood. When she had an affair with Zeus and got pregnant, Hera was furious. Hera went to her grandmother Gaia (the Earth) and asked her not to let Leto give birth on the mainland, any island at sea, or any place underneath the sun. So Leto was forced from land to land not allowed to rest and give birth. Until she wandered to the floating island of Delos which was mainland or a real island. Leto asked the island to allow her to give birth and in exchange her children would bring wealth to the barren island. The island agreed and Leto gave birth to Artemis right away however, she would be in labor 9 days and 9 nights to give birth to Artemis' twin Apollo. Artemis assisted in the labor which is why she is a Goddess of Childbirth. Later in keeping to her word Delos became very prosperous. Many came to worship on the island where the Twin Gods were born and the island became sacred to Apollo.