Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Oracle of Aesculapius explained
This chapter describes the oracles of Aesculapius, particularly the celebrated one at Epidaurus, where the sick sought healing through sleep in the temple, a practice likened to Animal Magnetism or Mesmerism.
What happens
This chapter describes the oracles of Aesculapius, particularly the celebrated one at Epidaurus, where the sick sought healing through sleep in the temple, a practice likened to Animal Magnetism or Mesmerism. Serpents, sacred to Aesculapius due to their perceived ability to renew youth by shedding skin, are highlighted. The worship of Aesculapius was later introduced to Rome during a plague, when an embassy to Epidaurus resulted in the god accompanying the returning ship in the form of a serpent, which then took possession of an island in the Tiber, where a temple was erected.
Key passages
“Here the sick sought responses and the recovery of their health by sleeping in the temple.”
At this location, the ill would sleep within the temple to receive divine guidance and regain their health.
Describes the central healing practice at the oracle.
“Serpents were sacred to Aesculapius, probably because of a superstition that those animals have a faculty of renewing their youth by a change of skin.”
Serpents were considered holy to Aesculapius, likely due to the belief that they could rejuvenate themselves by shedding their skin.
Explains the symbolic association between serpents and the god of healing.
“Aesculapius was propitious, and on the return of the ship accompanied it in the form of a serpent.”
The god Aesculapius was favorable and, as the ship returned, he accompanied it disguised as a serpent.
Describes the miraculous transport of the god to Rome.