Who was Leto? Leto was the second generation of Titan gods and was revered as the goddess of motherhood and modesty. She was one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. The Titans were the descendents of the first gods or divinities, called the primordial or primeval gods, who were born out of Chaos. The children of the Titans included the famous Olympian gods who included Zeus, Hera, Hestia, Hades and Poseidon and are shown on the Titans Family tree. The legend and myth about Leto, the goddess of motherhood and modesty, and the Titans has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role in the history of the Ancient World of Greece and the study of the Greek classics. Facts about Leto Leto features in the Creation myth of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but possessed great magical and mystic powers. The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Leto: Alternate Names: Latona Role & Function: The function of Leto is described as being the goddess of motherhood and modesty Status: A goddess in the second dynasty of Titans Gender: Female Name of Consort: Zeus Name of Father: Coeus Name of Mother: Phoebe Names of Brothers: None Names of Sisters: Asteria Names of Children: Her union with Zeus produced her twins, Apollo and Artemis, the Letoides
The Children of Leto and Zeus The union between the beautiful Leto and her lover Zeus produced her twins, Apollo and Artemis, collectively called the Letoides. Leto was a wondrous beauty and was greatly loved by Zeus. However their union was not a happy one due to the jealousy of Hera, the wife of Zeus. Hera persecuted Leto and sent the dreadful serpent Python to terrify and torment her wherever she went. Zeus took her to the island of Delos where she gave birth, unmolested to her twin-children, Apollo, the god of the sun and music and Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. |