4th of December: Pythia 8th century BC to 395 AD
The Oracle of Delphi
(The priestess of Delphi, 1891, John Collier)
The Oracle, also known as Pythia was the leader of the Temple of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The temple was established in the 8th century BC, though it may have had earlier roots. The Oracle was chosen for life from the ranks of priestesses at the temple, and varied both in terms of previous education, social status and age.
The name Pythia comes from Python, the legendary snake Apollo killed. Delphi was originally called Pytho, from the verb "pythein", to rot.
The Oracle was very important over a long period of time, giving prophesies to the Athenians and Spartans, Philip II of Macedonia and Nero. Many pf the important decisions in ancient Greece were influenced by Pythia. In addition, several sources state that Pythia taught Pythagoras.
The prophecies were given while in a trance, though the nature of this trance is uncertain. Some have speculated that it might have been ethylene rising from the ground that led to this trance, but there is no broad agreement. As seen in the picture, the Oracle has been described as chewing laurel branches and drinking/looking into spring water.
The people seeking advice had to travel to Delphi, bring an offering and pay the temple. Usually, a goat was sacrificed, and the entrails were then examined to see if the signs were favorable.
Quotes: "Love of money and nothing else will ruin Sparta"
"Your presence here outrages the god you seek. Go back, matricide! The number 73 marks the hour of your downfall!"
"Sure though thy feet, proud Sparta, have a care, A lame king's reign may see thee trip - Beware! Troubles unlooked for long shall vex thy shore, And rolling Time his tide of carnage pour"
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphic_Oracle http://www.ancient.eu.com/article/205/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oracular_statements_from_Delphi#Lycurgus Store Norske leksikon, Orakelet i Delphi http://snl.no/Delfi
