The god of medicine is Asclepius in ancient Greek religion and mythology.
Asclepius: The God of Healing
Asclepius, whose name in Greek is Ἀσκληπιός (Asklēpiós) and in Latin is Aesculapius, holds a prominent position as the hero and god of medicine. He is often depicted with a rod entwined by a serpent, which remains a widely recognized symbol of medicine today.
Parentage of Asclepius
The parentage of Asclepius is sometimes attributed to different figures:
- Apollo and Coronis: One account identifies Apollo and Coronis as his parents.
- Apollo and Arsinoe: Another version states that Apollo and Arsinoe are his parents.
- Apollo alone: In some narrations, Apollo is solely recognized as his father.
Asclepius's Symbol
The Rod of Asclepius, a snake-entwined staff, is one of the most ubiquitous symbols of medicine worldwide.
Symbol | Description | Significance |
---|---|---|
Rod of Asclepius | A staff with a single snake wrapped around it. | Represents healing, medicine, and rejuvenation. The snake symbolizes renewal and the healing arts. |