April 28: Spring Month

The god Paion is mentioned by Homer as the physician of the gods, with both Hades and Ares as his patients. Confusingly, his name refers to “healing” as well as to “destroying”, and the Greek “paian” also means “battle cry”. He’s often confused with those other healing gods Asklepios and Apollo. There’s also a popular tale about him being Asklepios’ pupil, that circulates the internet in a number of versions, but that’s not rooted in mythology. Paion would have introduced the use of peony seeds by pregnant women (which should not be tried at home). This would have caused the wrath of his teacher Asklepios, jealous because he didn’t think of this himself. As Asklepios threatened to unalive Paion, Zeus would have intervened (out of compassion, which makes this story highly unlikely). He would have changed Paion into a beautiful peony flower. If that’s indeed the case, it probably would have suited Paion just fine, because the big and bold peony bushes have always been the favourite hideaway for nymphs and fairies.

A Healer, Aryballos, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

Incubation Relief from Oropos, Museum Piraeus, Greece