A paean (/ˈpiːən/) is a song or lyric poem expressing triumph or thanksgiving. In classical antiquity, it is usually performed by a chorus, but some examples seem intended for an individual voice (monody). It comes from the Greek παιάν (also παιήων or παιών), "song of triumph, any solemn song or chant." "Paeon" was also the name of a divine physician and an epithet of Apollo.
The basis of the word παιάν is *παιάϝων. Its ultimate etymology is unclear. R. S. P. Beekes has suggested the meaning "who heals illnesses through magic," from *παῖϝα/*παϝία "blow", related to παίω "beat" (from Proto-Indo-European *ph2u-ie/o-) or παύω "withhold" (of uncertain etymology). He alternatively suggested that paian "may well be Pre-Greek."
In Homer, Paeon was the Greek physician of the gods. In Iliad V he heals the wounded Ares and Hades with his herbal lore. In time Paeon (or Paean) became an epithet of Apollo as a god capable of bringing disease and propitiated as a god of healing. Hesiod identifies Paeon as a separate god, and in later poetry Paeon is invoked independently as a health god. Later, Paean becomes an epithet of Asclepius, another healer-god.
In Greek mythology, Paean (Greek: Παιάν), Paeëon or Paieon (Greek: Παιήων), or Paeon or Paion (Greek: Παιών) was the Greek physician of the gods.
The name Paean is believed to be first attested in Mycenaean Greek as an alternative name of Apollo; the attested form of the name, written in Linear B, is 𐀞𐀊𐀍𐀚, pa-ja-wo-ne.
A god of healing, (spelled Παιήων) is mentioned twice in the Iliad. In book 5, the Olympian god of war Ares is wounded by mortal hero Diomedes, who is assisted by Athena. Ares is taken up to Olympus in a hurry, where Paeon applies medicine (φάρμακα) that produced an instant relief.Hades too had a similar medical treatment by Paeon when he was shot with an arrow by Heracles. In the Odyssey, Homer says of Egypt:
Hesiod identifies Paeon as an individual deity:
In time, Paeon (more usually spelled Paean) became an epithet of Apollo, in his capacity as a god capable of bringing disease and therefore propitiated as a god of healing. Later, Paeon becomes an epithet of Asclepius, the healer-god.
Paean (foaled 4 April 1983 – ca. 1989) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. A specialist over long distances he was ideally suited by soft ground on which he won the 1987 Ascot Gold Cup by a modern record margin of fifteen lengths. He had previously finished second on his only start as a two-year-old in 1985 and won five times as a three-year-old in 1986. Paean broke down with an injury after his Gold Cup win and never raced again. In a brief stud career he showed some promise as a sire of steeplechasers.
Paean was a bay horse with a large white star bred and owned by John Scott-Ellis, 9th Baron Howard de Walden a prominent member of the Jockey Club. Other horses to race in Lord Howard de Walden's apricot colours included Kris, Diesis and Slip Anchor. Paean was one of the best horses sired by Bustino, who 1973 St Leger and the 1974 Coronation Cup as well as finishing second to Grundy in a famous race for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Paean's dam Mixed Applause also produced the St James's Palace Stakes winner Shavian and, as a descendant of the broodmare My Game, was closely related to Marwell, Marling, Unite and Be My Chief.
The reign of earth will end here utterly
And by the eye of Ra behold its final doom.
The nightless sky burns home and field,
As some try desperately to flee into the moon.
From the stars came unknown saviours,
To free man from tragedy.
Giant forms of celestial bodies,
That took man away from here.
Eternity as I've always dreamed,
Thus we've been granted a second chance.
Cries of joy; Joyous cries of human tears.
Our own tears; The same that bled for many years.
A million cries; The voice of children with hoping hearts.