Page "Alcmene" Paragraph 5

According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, while in labour, Alcmene was having difficulty giving birth to such a large child.

After seven days and nights in agony, Alcmene stretched out her arms and called upon Lucina, the goddess of childbirth ( the Roman equivalent of Eileithyia ).

However, while Lucina did go to Alcmene, she was instructed by Juno ( Hera ) to stop the delivery.

With her hands clasped and legs crossed, Lucina muttered charms, thereby preventing Alcmene from giving birth.

Alcmene struggled in pain, cursed the heavens, and became close to death.

Galanthis, a maid of Alcmene who was nearby, observed Lucina's actions and quickly deduced Juno's plans.

She announced that Alcmene had safely delivered her child, and this surprised Lucina so much that she immediately jumped up and unclenched her hands.

As soon as Lucina leapt up, Alcmene was released from her spell and gave birth to Heracles.

As punishment for deceiving Lucina, Galanthis was transformed into a weasel ; she continued to live with Alcmene.