Ancient Greek Mythology: Asklepios
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Asklepios (Asclepius) was actually a demigod rather than a god. Born a mortal man and the son of Apollo, he became very skilled at medicine, something he learned when raised by the centaur Chiron. He healed people far and wide, attracting quite a large cult following. He also raised people from the dead, something that bothered Hades.
Ruler of the underworld, Hades wasn't happy that fewer people were entering his realm so he appealed to his brother Zeus, who in turn struck Asklepios dead with a thunderbolt. Apollo then raised Asklepios, making him immortal like the gods.
Asklepios has, at times, been compared with Jesus: both healed others, both raised people from the dead, both cured madness, both worked closely with the people, both taught others to carry on their ideas, and both were resurrected. The parallels aren't exact or extensive, but they are interesting and there are at least as many attested miracles attributed to Asklepios at various shrines as there are miracles attested to the working of Jesus.
| Ancient Greek Mythology: Asklepios (Asclepius) | |
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| Asklepios (Asclepius) | Asklepios (Asclepius), Louvre |
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| Epidauros Theater, Sanctuary of Asklepios (Asclepius) | |
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