Greek MythologyAsclepius, the son of Apollo and Coronis, was the Greek god of medicine and healing. Coronis was killed for being unfaithful to Apollo and Asclepius was removed from her wound as an unborn child. His name means ‘to cut open’. Coronis’ body was burned, turning the white feathers of the crows black for eternity. The centaur Chiron raised Asclepius and taught him medicine. Asclepius was killed by Zeus for raising the dead and upsetting the world’s natural order. Following his death he was placed in the sky as the constellation Ophiuchus (The Serpent Holder) and the image of the rod of Asclepius ( a snake-entwined) staff remains a central image in medicine today, although it is often mistake for a caduceus ( a staff with two snakes).To honor Asclepius snakes were often integrated into rituals of healing.
Hygieia, a daughter of Asclepius, was the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. The word ‘hygiene’ is derived from her name. She was believed to be responsible for the prevention of illness and health promotion through cleanliness.
Iaso, a daughter of Asclepius, was the goddess of recuperation. Little is known about Iaso, this is attributed to her status as a demi-god.
Aceso, a daughter of Asclepius was the goddess of the healing process. She represented the process of curing rather than the cure itself.
Aglaea (or Aglaia) a daughter of Asclepius, was the goddess of beauty. She was the youngest Charis, who alongside Euphrosyne and Thalia were known as the Three Graces.
Panacea, a daughter of Asclepius, was the goddess of healing. It was believed that Panacea had a potion which she used to heal the sick. The panacea (also known as panchrest) was a remedy that would cure all illness and provide the consumer with immortality.
Telesphorus, a son of Asclepius, symbolized recovery from illness and he frequently accompanied Hygieia. Telesphorus was a dwarf, who always kept his head covered.
Machaon and Podalirius, were sons of Asclepius and highly valued surgeons.
Apis, a son of Apollo and brother of Asclepius, was a healer. He freed the Apian land from the plague of snakes.
The Moirae (Moerae) were the Fates in Greek Mythology. The controlled the life and death of every human beings and were feared by the Gods.Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos are believed to have been the daughters of Zeus and Themis (although other accounts refer to them as the children of Nyx). Clotho, spun the thread of human life. She controlled who would be born and when individuals would be put to death. Lachesis was the ‘disposer of lots’. She measured the threads spun by Clotho and decided a person’s destiny. She supposedly appeared within three days of a baby’s birth alongside Clotho and Atropos to decide the child’s fate. Atropos was the oldest of the Fates. She chose how people would die. She ended the lives of mortals by cutting their thread with her ‘abhorred shears’. Atropine (a tropane alkaloid derived from Atropa belladonna) is a potentially deadly drug that derives its name from Atropos.
Roman Mythology
Similarly there were three Fates in Roman mythology; the Parcae- Nona was the Roman equivalent of Clotho. She was the Roman goddess of pregnancy and often referred to as the ‘Ninth’ as she was needed by women in the ninth month of their pregnancy when their child was to be born. Decima, was the Roman goddess of childbirth and the equivalent of Lachesis. Morta, was the Roman goddess of death and the equivalent to Atropos.
Vejovis (Vejove) was the Roman god of healing.
Sirona was the Roman equivalent of Hygieia.
Minerva (Menrfa, or Menrva) was the Roman goddess of medicine, among other things. As Minerva Medica, she was worshipped as the goddess of medicine and doctors.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment