Epione

Epione (Ancient Greek: Ἠπιόνη) is a figure in Greek mythology. She is the goddess or spirit of soothing pain. She is the wife of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, and the mother of his children, including Hygieia (goddess of health, cleanliness, and hygiene), Panacea (goddess of universal remedy), Iaso (goddess of cures), Aceso (goddess of healing), and Machaon and Podalirius (both physicians mentioned in the Iliad). Epione's role is primarily associated with the alleviation of pain and the provision of comfort, fitting into the broader context of healing and medicine within the Asclepiad family. Her name is derived from the Greek word "epios," meaning "gentle" or "soothing." While less prominently featured in mythology than her husband or some of her daughters, Epione represents an important aspect of healing, focusing on the compassionate care and relief of suffering experienced by patients.