Asclepius Informational Post
Asclepius is the son of Apollo and (most commonly) a mortal woman named Coronis (though she also has divine heritage). Scholars tend to believe Asclepius was not seen as a god in ancient times and believe he was worshiped as more of a hero due to his profound medical skills. In modern times though, it is common to view him as a minor deity. He had temples, called Asclepeion, throughout the ancient world where people sought medical advice. The temples had snakes and sometimes dogs freely roaming through them, as they believed the animals could aid in the healing process. At his temples, patients would undergo a purification process (often for days) then enter a dream state, expecting to be told by the god how to heal their ailments. When they awoke, priests would interpret their dreams and administer treatment.
Asclepius’s most common symbol is the snake, and he is said to appear in snake form to worshipers. His staff (often confused with the staff of Hermes) is ubiquitous as a symbol for medicine in the modern era.
Apollo laid with Coronis and she became pregnant with a son. While pregnant, however, she began an affair with Ischys. A raven, who was once white as snow, told Apollo of his lover’s affair. For this, Apollo turned the raven black in anger. Then, either Apollo or Artemis killed Coronis with their arrows. As she laid on the funeral pyre, Apollo felt pity for his son, and cut him out of his mother’s womb, some say as the first C-section. He gave the child to Chiron to be raised, and Chiron taught him the healing arts. However, it was snakes that taught Asclepius how to bring the dead back to life. Some say they licked his ears and gave him the knowledge; others say he witnessed a snake place herbs on the mouth of its dead companion, bringing life to it once more. Either way, Asclepius set out across the land and began healing people - and bringing them back to life. This caught the attention of Hades, who complained to his brother Zeus by saying Asclepius was robbing him of subjects in the Underworld. Zeus, enraged that Asclepius was interfering with the natural order of the world, struck Asclepius with a lightning bolt, killing him instantly. At Apollo’s request, Zeus put Asclepius among the stars as the constellation Ophioclavis.
Epione - Wife of Asclepius and goddess of soothing pain and care during recovery
Iaso - Daughter of Epione and Asclepius and goddess of recuperation, cures, remedies, and recovery
Panacea - Daughter of Epione and Asclepius and goddess of universal remedy and health
Hygieia - Daughter of Epione and Asclepius and goddess of cleanliness, hygiene, and prevention of sickness
Aceso - Daughter of Epione and Asclepius and goddess of well-being and the healing process
Aegle - Daughter of Epione and Asclepius and goddess of radiant good health
Podalirius - Son of Asclepius and master healer during the Trojan war alongside his brother Machaon. He had hero shrines after his death, and some people in the modern era worship him as a deity residing over surgery and physicians (but this was not the case in the ancient world).
Machaon - Son of Asclepius and master healer during the Trojan war. He died during the Trojan war and was worshiped as a hero afterwards. Like his brother, in the modern era some people consider him a minor deity of surgery and physicians.
Telesphorus - (Presumed) Youngest son of Asclepius and a god of recovery, and potentially a god of child wellness and health.
Coronis - Mother of Asclepius by Apollo. Thessalian princess and daughter of Cleoptema and Phylegyas.
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