Source edition
Callimachus and Lycophron; Aratus. Mair, A. W., editor. London: William Heinemann; New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1921.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This hymn celebrates the sacred island of Delos (originally Asteria), the birthplace of Apollo, by chronicling the arduous journey of his mother, Leto. The narrative centers on Leto's desperate flight as she seeks a place to give birth while evading the fierce wrath and surveillance of the jealous Hera. Rejected by various cities and rivers across Greece, Leto is guided by the unborn Apollo himself, who speaks from her womb to prophesy the future glory of King Ptolemy II and direct his mother toward Delos. When the once-drifting island warmly welcomes Leto and the god is born, the entire island miraculously transforms into gold. The poem concludes by depicting Delos as a firmly anchored holy sanctuary, bustling with offerings, dances, and unique rituals performed by visiting sailors from all over the world.