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Who is the god of medicine?

Published in Greek Mythology 1 min read

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.