ASCLEPIUS
GUY'S HOSPITAL
written by: DAVE SPIKEY
animated by: DAVE SPIKEY
with support from: Commissioned by Science Gallery at King’s College London. Sculpture part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity fine art and heritage collection.
"Asclepius appealed to me because I am a bit of a Greek mythology fan, yet I wasn’t very familiar with his story. In my previous career I was a biomedical scientist, which made the opportunity to voice him absolutely irresistible!”
Dave Spikey
The son of the Greek god Apollo and the mortal woman Koronis, Asclepius was never going to lead an ordinary life - especially when Apollo entrusted his upbringing to the wise centaur Chiron. The young Asclepius grew up to be the Greek demigod of medicine, learning the secrets of healing from Chiron and a serpent who whispered knowledge to him while licking his ears clean.
Unfortunately, Zeus grew enraged with his ability to cheat death through his medical skills, and killed him with a thunderbolt! However, he was granted immortality by becoming the constellation Ophiuchus - and to this day, the medical profession is represented by a staff entwined with a serpent known as the Rod of Asclepius.
Visit Asclepius now and listen to his story!
Commissioned by Science Gallery at King’s College London. Sculpture part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity fine art and heritage collection.
Learn more about Asclepius here