Asclepius

Asclepius is the Greek god of medicine.

Mythology
Asclepius is the son of Apollo and the mortal princess, Coronis. While Coronis was pregnant with Asclepius she fell in love with a mortal man. Apollo found out about this affair and he killed Coronis but saved his unborn child. Asclepius was raised by Chiron and learned all about medicine and healing.

Asclepius became favored by Athena and she gave him a gift of Gorgon blood. Gorgon blood has the ability to heal any injury or even to raise the dead. Hades, angered that Asclepius was raising the dead, complained to Zeus. Zeus then struck Asclepius down with a lightning bolt. In retaliation for his son's death, Apollo killed the Elder Cyclopes. Zeus, wanting to avoid more conflit, turned Asclepius into a god.

Abode
Asclepius is the god of medicine, doctors, and health.

The sacred symbol of Asclepius is his rod. It is similar to the Caduceus but it is only entwined with one snake, rather than two.

Family

 * Father: Apollo
 * Mother: Coronis
 * Wife: Epione
 * Children: See All