IAPYX (mortal physician)
Figure of myth · mythical character in the Aeneid, son of Iasus
A river in the territory of the Pediculi also bears his name.3 He was a dear favorite and friend of the god Phoebus.4 The god granted him the powers of augury, song, and swift-winged arrows.4
He used herbs of leechcraft to delay his father's death for many days.4 When Aeneas was wounded, Iapyx attempted to remove the spear barb with skilled hands, herbs, and strong forceps.4 He applied a healing balm to the wound without knowing its divine origin, causing the pain to vanish and the bleeding to stop.5 Apollo did not aid him in this attempt to heal Aeneas.4
Iapyx claimed that a god, not his own skill, had restored Aeneas's strength.5 He was the first to inspire the Trojans' courage against their foes.5 He then shouted for Aeneas's armor to be brought so he could fight the enemy.5 He practiced his silent art without seeking reward or praise.4
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Iapyx was a chief leader of the Cretans, and some Cretans came from Sicily with him to Brentesium. Strabo 6.3.2 +1
