The unfolding image of the physician in fairy tales and myths

Overview

Since the very beginning humans have been threatened by disease. Therefore, the art of curing and the ability to cure have always been treasured. Information about that can be found in the historical memory of mankind – fairy tales, myths, legends, sagas, tales, and folklore. There in one can trace three groups of individuals with the power to cure. The first is the magician or wizard characterized by thirst for knowledge and power (namely for the forbidden, e.g. bringing back to life). Such is even capable of giving up one’s soul to the devil or to shady forces in order to quench that thirst. Another is the king as the ruler of a certain community, who derives his right to rule from God or the gods. His health is connected with the health of his land and the ability to cure. The third one is the medicine man, shaman or healer having the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead, to ask for advice. His task is to care for the health od the body and soul. Herein has its roots the present-day profession of the physician, namely that of the general practitioner.

Key word:
healing – treatment – history – myths.