Asklépios, les Nymphes et Achéloos : réflexions sur une association cultuelle

• Published in: Kentron Vol. 22; pp. 177 - 198
• Main Author: Pierre Sineux
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; French
• Published: Presses universitaires de Caen 31-12-2006
• ISSN: 0765-0590; 2264-1459
• DOI: 10.4000/kentron.1779

In healing sanctuaries, water is very present. In several Asclepius’ sanctuaries, people worship the Nymphai and Acheloos, deities whose power is considered to appear in relation with water. The examination of documents, particularly those from the sanctuary of Lebena, in Crete, where the cult of the Nymphai and Acheloos must have been prior to that of Asclepius, shows how the former were providers of fresh and remedial waters (used after for asklepieian rites) whereas increased vitality was expected from the latter. Their functions are essentially complementary to those of Asclepius. In Asclepieia, the exercise of healing functions – met elsewhere – by these deities is, after all, rarely attested: healing remains Asclepius’ range. The case shows how in cult sites, Greek polytheism can be in keeping with a complex system of relations between divine powers.