The Story of Asclepius
Asclepius was the god of medicine and healing, a son of Apollo and the mortal princess Coronis. While Coronis was pregnant, she was unfaithful to Apollo with a mortal man. A raven brought the news to Apollo, and in his anger he turned the bird from white to black.
Coronis was killed for her betrayal, by Apollo's arrows or by his sister Artemis. As her body burned on the funeral pyre, Apollo could not bear to lose his son. He snatched the unborn Asclepius from her womb and saved him from the flames.
Apollo gave the baby to the wise centaur Chiron, who lived on Mount Pelion and had raised many heroes. Chiron taught Asclepius the art of healing, the use of herbs and medicines, and the skills of surgery. The boy learned so well that he became the greatest physician the world had ever known.
Asclepius married Epione, whose name means soothing, and they had a family devoted to healing. Their daughters included Hygieia, goddess of health, and Panacea, goddess of cures. Their sons Machaon and Podalirius served as doctors to the Greek army in the Trojan War.
In time, Asclepius grew so skilled that he could bring the dead back to life, in some tellings using the blood of the Gorgon Medusa given to him by Athena. Among those he revived, in many tellings, was Hippolytus, the son of Theseus. Zeus feared that he would upset the order of the world, and in some tellings Hades complained that his kingdom was losing its subjects.
Zeus struck Asclepius down with a thunderbolt. Furious at the death of his son, Apollo killed the Cyclopes who had made the thunderbolt, and as punishment he was forced to serve a mortal, King Admetus, for a year. Later Zeus placed Asclepius among the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, and he was honored as a god.
Asclepius was worshipped across the Greek world in healing sanctuaries called Asclepieia, the most famous at Epidaurus and on the island of Kos. The sick slept in his temples, hoping the god would heal them or show them a cure in a dream. His symbol, a staff with a single serpent wrapped around it, is still a symbol of medicine today.
Famous Myths About Asclepius
Born from the Flames
Apollo's lover Coronis was unfaithful to him, and in his anger he had her killed. As her body burned on the funeral pyre, Apollo rescued their unborn son Asclepius from her womb.
Taught by Chiron
Asclepius was raised by the wise centaur Chiron, who taught him the art of healing. He became the greatest physician the world had ever known.
Raising the Dead
Asclepius became so skilled that he could bring the dead back to life, in some stories using the blood of Medusa. Zeus feared that he would upset the order of the world and struck him down with a thunderbolt, and he was later placed among the stars.
Where to See Asclepius in Greece
Asclepius's Family Tree
Parents of Asclepius
Wife of Asclepius
Children of Asclepius
Frequently Asked Questions About Asclepius
Who is Asclepius in Greek mythology?
Asclepius is the god of medicine and healing. He learned the healing arts from the wise centaur Chiron.
Who are Asclepius's parents?
Asclepius is the son of Apollo and the mortal princess Coronis.
How did Asclepius die?
Asclepius became so skilled that he brought the dead back to life. Zeus struck him with a thunderbolt for upsetting the natural order, but later made him a god and placed him among the stars.
What are Asclepius's symbols?
Asclepius's main symbol is the Rod of Asclepius, a staff with a single serpent wrapped around it, which is still a symbol of medicine today.
What is Asclepius's Roman name?
The Romans called Asclepius Aesculapius.
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