Europe Snake worship

statue of asclepius in pergamon museum, berlin

serpents figured prominently in archaic greek myths. according sources, ophion ( serpent , a.k.a. ophioneus), ruled world eurynome before 2 of them cast down kronos , rhea. oracles of ancient greeks said have been continuation of tradition begun worship of egyptian cobra goddess, wadjet. learn herodotus of great serpent defended citadel of athens.

the minoan snake goddess brandished serpent in either hand, perhaps evoking role source of wisdom, rather role mistress of animals (potnia theron), leopard under each arm. not accident later infant herakles, liminal hero on threshold between old ways , new olympian world, brandished 2 serpents threatened him in cradle. although classical greeks clear these snakes represented threat, snake-brandishing gesture of herakles same of cretan goddess.

typhon, enemy of olympian gods, described vast grisly monster hundred heads , hundred serpents issuing thighs, conquered , cast tartarus zeus, or confined beneath volcanic regions, cause of eruptions. typhon chthonic figuration of volcanic forces. amongst children echidna cerberus (a monstrous three-headed dog snake tail , serpentine mane), serpent-tailed chimaera, serpent-like water beast hydra, , hundred-headed serpentine dragon ladon. both lernaean hydra , ladon slain herakles.

python, enemy of apollo, represented in vase-paintings , sculptors serpent. apollo slew python , made former home, delphi, own oracle. pythia took title name python.

amphisbaena, greek word, amphis, meaning both ways , , bainein, meaning go , called mother of ants , mythological, ant-eating serpent head @ each end. according greek mythology, mythological amphisbaena spawned blood dripped medusa gorgon s head perseus flew on libyan desert head in hand.

medusa , other gorgons vicious female monsters sharp fangs , hair of living, venomous snakes origins predate written myths of greece , protectors of ancient ritual secrets. gorgons wore belt of 2 intertwined serpents in same configuration of caduceus. gorgon placed @ highest point , central of relief on parthenon.

asclepius, son of apollo , koronis, learned secrets of keeping death @ bay after observing 1 serpent bringing (which asclepius himself had fatally wounded) healing herbs. prevent entire human race becoming immortal under asclepius s care, zeus killed him bolt of lightning. asclepius death @ hands of zeus illustrates man s inability challenge natural order separates mortal men gods. in honor of asclepius, snakes used in healing rituals. non-poisonous aesculapian snakes left crawl on floor in dormitories sick , injured slept. author of bibliotheca claimed athena gave asclepius vial of blood gorgons. gorgon blood had magical properties: if taken left side of gorgon, fatal poison; right side, blood capable of bringing dead life. euripides wrote in tragedy ion athenian queen creusa had inherited vial ancestor erichthonios, snake himself. in version blood of medusa had healing power while lethal poison originated medusa s serpents. zeus placed asclepius in sky constellation ophiucus, serpent-bearer . modern symbol of medicine rod of asclepius, snake twining around staff, while symbol of pharmacy bowl of hygieia, snake twining around cup or bowl. hygieia daughter of asclepius.

laocoön allegedly priest of poseidon (or of apollo, accounts) @ troy; famous warning trojans in vain against accepting trojan horse greeks, , subsequent divine execution. poseidon (some athena), supporting greeks, subsequently sent sea-serpents strangle laocoön , 2 sons, antiphantes , thymbraeus. tradition states apollo sent serpents unrelated offense, , unlucky timing caused trojans misinterpret them punishment striking horse.

olympias, mother of alexander great , princess of primitive land of epirus, had reputation of snake-handler, , in serpent form zeus said have fathered alexander upon her; tame snakes still found @ macedonian pella in 2nd century ad (lucian, alexander false prophet) , @ ostia bas-relief shows paired coiled serpents flanking dressed altar, symbols or embodiments of lares of household, worthy of veneration (veyne 1987 illus p 211).

aeetes, king of colchis , father of sorceress medea, possessed golden fleece. guarded massive serpent never slept. medea, had fallen in love jason of argonauts, enchanted sleep jason seize fleece.