The best-known gods of healing are Asclepius and Apollo in Greek mythology, Dhanvantari in Hindu mythology, Sekhmet and Isis in Egyptian mythology, Dian Cecht in Irish mythology and Gula in Mesopotamian mythology. Health deities are a common feature of polytheistic religions, and they are often related to childbirth or to mother goddesses.
This list groups gods and goddesses of healing by culture, with each deity’s role as given in the standard reference list of health deities.
Greek
- Asclepius, god of the medicinal arts.
- Apollo, god of medicine, healing, plagues, diseases and prosperity.
- Hygieia, goddess of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Panacea, goddess of the cure by medicines and salves.
- Iaso, goddess of cures and remedies.
- Aceso, goddess of curing sickness and healing wounds.
- Epione, goddess of the soothing of pain.
- Aegle, goddess of radiant good health.
- Paean, physician of the gods, who was later syncretized with Apollo.
- Chiron, a centaur known for his knowledge and skill in medicinal arts.
- Telesphorus, demi-god of convalescence.
Roman
- Apollo, Greco-Roman god of light, music, healing and the sun.
- Valetudo, the Roman name for the Greek goddess Hygieia, goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene.
- Vejovis, god of healing.
- Bona Dea, goddess of fertility, healing, virginity and women.
- Febris, goddess who embodied and protected people from fever and malaria.
- Cardea, goddess of health, thresholds and door hinges and handles.
- Angitia, snake goddess associated with magic and healing.
Egyptian
- Sekhmet, goddess of healing and medicine of Upper Egypt.
- Isis, goddess of healing, magic, marriage and protection.
- Serket, goddess of healing stings and bites.
- Heka, the deification of magic, through which Egyptians believed they could gain protection, healing and support.
- Bes, an apotropaic god, represented as a dwarf, who was particularly important in protecting children and women in childbirth.
Hindu
- Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and god of Ayurveda.
- Ashvins, the twin gods of medicine.
- Shitala, folk goddess of smallpox and disease.
- Mariamman, folk goddess of rain, medicine and plagues.
Celtic
- Dian Cecht, Irish god of healing.
- Miach, Irish god associated with healing, herbs and medicine, who was killed by Dian Cecht over jealousy of his superior healing skills.
- Airmed, Irish goddess associated with healing and resurrection, and daughter of Dian Cecht.
- Brigid, Irish goddess associated with healing.
- Belenus, Celtic god of fire and healing.
- Sirona, Gallo-Roman and Celto-Germanic goddess associated with healing.
- Lugh, god of arts, crafts, healing and the Sun.
Mesopotamian
- Gula, a goddess of medicine, portrayed as a divine physician and midwife.
- Ninisina, a divine physician worshiped in Isin.
- Ninti, Sumerian goddess of healing.
Chinese
- Bao Sheng Da Di, the God of Medicine in Chinese folk religion and Taoism.
- Shennong Da Di, one of the Three Sovereigns, also known as the Divine Farmer, who acquired and spread knowledge of herbs and medicine.
- Hua Tuo, regarded as “divine physician” in Chinese history.
Norse
- Eir, goddess associated with medical skill.
Aztec
- Ixtlilton, god of medicine.
- Patecatl, god of pulque and healing.
Maya
- Ixchel, jaguar goddess of midwifery and medicine.
Japanese
- Sukunahikona, god of medicine, as well as nation building, incantation, agriculture and hot springs.
Yoruba and Afro-American
- Erinlẹ, spirit of abundance, the healer, and physician to the Orisha.
- Ọsanyìn, spirit of herbalism.
- Babalú-Ayé, spirit of illness and disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Greek god of healing? Asclepius is the god of the medicinal arts, and Apollo is also a god of medicine and healing.
Who is the Greek goddess of health? Hygieia is the goddess of cleanliness and sanitation, and Aegle is the goddess of radiant good health.
Who is the Egyptian goddess of healing? Sekhmet, goddess of healing and medicine of Upper Egypt.
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