Asclepius
The legendary physician who could cure any illness and even raise the dead. Son of Apollo, his skill in medicine was so great that Zeus struck him down to preserve the natural order.
The Legend of Asclepius
Son of Apollo and the mortal Coronis, Asclepius was cut from his mother's womb after Apollo killed her for infidelity. The centaur Chiron raised him and taught him medicine. Athena gave Asclepius the blood of Medusa — from the right side it healed, from the left it killed. He grew so skilled that he raised the dead, and Hades complained to Zeus that the Underworld was being cheated. Zeus struck Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Apollo, grieving, killed the Cyclops who forged it. His cult at Epidaurus drew pilgrims for centuries, and Hermes escorted his shade to the stars.
Parents
Apollo and Coronis
Children
Hygieia, Panacea
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Rod of Asclepius — a single serpent wound around a staff — remains the symbol of medicine worldwide. It is often confused with the two-snake caduceus of Hermes.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Machaon
🗡 heromedicine
Son of Asclepius and chief surgeon of the Greek army at Troy, killed by Eurypylus son of Telephus.
Asclepius
⚡ godGod of medicine who could raise the dead
The divine physician whose healing art grew so powerful that he could resurrect the dead — forcing Zeus to strike him down to preserve cosmic order.
Asclepius
⚡ godGod of medicine and healing
Asclepius began as a mortal hero trained by Chiron who became so skilled at medicine that he could raise the dead — Zeus struck him down, then deified him.
Podalirius
🗡 heromedicine
Son of Asclepius and Greek physician at Troy who specialized in internal medicine while his brother Machaon was the surgeon.
Heracles
🗡 heroGreatest of the Greek heroes, demigod of strength
The greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his extraordinary strength and his Twelve Labors.
Heracles
🗡 heroGreatest of all Greek heroes
The son of Zeus and Alcmene who performed twelve impossible labours and was the only hero to achieve full godhood after death.
Achilles
🗡 heroGreatest warrior of the Trojan War
The greatest warrior in the Greek army at Troy, nearly invulnerable thanks to being dipped in the River Styx as an infant — except for the heel by which his mother held him.
Aeson
🗡 heroFather of Jason, rejuvenated by Medea
Aeson was Jason's aged father whom Medea rejuvenated through sorcery — cutting his throat, draining his blood, and filling him with a magical potion.
Iolaus
🗡 heroNephew and companion of Heracles
Iolaus was Heracles' beloved nephew and charioteer who helped him slay the Hydra by cauterising the stumps — the essential companion to the greatest hero.
Telephus
🗡 herofate
Son of Heracles and Auge, king of Mysia, who was wounded by Achilles and could only be healed by the same spear.
Perseus
🗡 heroHero who slew Medusa
The son of Zeus and Danae who beheaded Medusa, rescued Andromeda, and founded the Perseid dynasty of Mycenae.
Diomedes
🗡 heroKing of Argos who wounded gods
Diomedes was the only mortal in the Iliad to wound two Olympian gods in a single day.