Latona

Latona is the Latin name for Leto, a goddess in Greek mythology who becomes the mother of the twin Olympian gods Apollo and Artemis by Zeus. In most myths she is the daughter of the Titans Coeus and Phoebe, and she is often portrayed as a lover of Zeus who incurs Hera’s jealousy.

According to the myth, Hera persecutes Latona, making it difficult for her to bear children on solid ground. Latona ultimately finds refuge on the island of Delos, which becomes a sanctuary for her. On Delos she gives birth to Artemis and Apollo; birth order varies by source, with Artemis commonly said to be born first, followed by Apollo. The birth of the twins establishes Delos as a sacred site in the mythic geography of the Greek world.

In Roman tradition, Latona (Leto) remains a key symbolic figure as the mother of Apollo and Diana (the Roman counterpart of Artemis). Latin poets and artists frequently employ Latona to evoke themes of motherhood, protection, and the divine lineage of the Olympian gods. The Latonian myth also helps explain Delos’s sacred status within the broader mythological framework.

Latona’s role is primarily as a mother goddess within the wider tapestry of Greek and Roman mythology. Her story intersects with themes of divine power, Hera’s jealousy, and the origin of two major deities who play central roles in ancient myth and culture. See also Leto, Apollo, Artemis.