Telesphorus (mythology)

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In Greek mythology (especially in Thrace), Telesforos (or Telesphoros) was a son of Asclepius. He frequently accompanied his sister, Hygieia. He was a dwarf whose face was always covered with a cowl and a Phrygian cap. He symbolized recovery from illness, as his name means "bringing fulfillment" in Greek. He likely originated circa 100 AD in Pergamon as part of the large Asclepian cult there. His popularity increased in the 2nd century AD after Epidaurus, the home to the Asclepius cult, and other places adopted his cult. Representations of him occur mainly in Anatolia and the area around the Danube.