Galanthis (weasel) In Greek mythology, Alcmena’s maid. She aided her mistress during the birth of Heracles when Hera sent the childbirth goddess, Ilithyia, to retard Alcmena’s labor with magic incantations. Galanthis fooled Ilithyia by pretending that Alcmena had already delivered. Caught off guard, Ilithyia’s spell was broken, and Alcmena immediately delivered Heracles. In a fury Ilithyia transformed Galanthis into a weasel. Ovid’s Metamorphoses (book 9) tells of her transformation.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
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