WINGED WORDS WINDSDAY
Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell
(@RHCLambengolmo)
Editorial Associate: S. A. Sonnenschein
Vol. 3, No. 21: March 20, 2024
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Episode #3: Pythia, the Delphic Oracle
Editor’s Note
This week, we continue our
celebration of Women’s History Month by providing some poetry and prose about
the Delphic Oracle, known as the Pythia. The Pythias were a succession of
priestesses who served, each in turn, as the wisest and best-regarded oracle in
the Greek-speaking lands. We begin with the tale of King Croesus of Lydia and
the Pythia, which is intertwined with the life of Cyrus the Great, the first
Persian Emperor. We then have a historical survey of the oracle through time,
followed by a piece of historical fiction about the Pythia during the Heroic Age
of Mycenaean Greece. We conclude with some words of wisdom from my esteemed
Editorial Associate. Enjoy!
The Second Monarchy, Being the Persian (Excerpt)
By Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)
Cyrus
Cambyses’ Son of Persia King,
Whom Lady
Mandana did to him bring,
She daughter
unto great Astyages,
He in
descent the seventh from Arbaces.
Cambyses was
of Achaemenes’ race,
Who had in
Persia the Lieutenant’s place
When
Sardanapalus was overthrown,
And from
that time had held it as his own.
Cyrus,
Darius’ Daughter took to wife,
And so
unites two Kingdoms without strife.
Darius unto
Mandana was brother
Adopts her
son for his having no other.
This is of
Cyrus the true pedigree,
Whose
Ancestors were royal in degree:
His Mother’s
dream and Grand-Sire’s cruelty,
His
preservation, in his misery,
His
nourishment afforded by a switch,
Are fit for
such, whose ears for Fables itch.
He in his
younger days an Army led,
Against
great Croesus then of Lydia head;
Who
over-curious of wars event,
For
information to Apollo went:
And the
ambiguous Oracle did trust,
So
overthrown by Cyrus, as was just;
Who him
pursues to Sardis, takes the Town,
Where all
that dare resist, are slaughtered down;
Disguised
Croesus hoped to escape in the throng,
Who had no
might to right from wrong,
But as he
past, his Son who was born dumb,
With
pressing grief and sorrow overcome:
Among the
tumult, blood-shed, and the strife
Brake his
long silence, cried, “Spare Croesus’ life”:
Croesus thus
known, it was great Cyrus’ doom,
(A hard
decree) to ashes he consume;
Then on a
wood-pile set, where all might eye,
He “Solon,
Solon, Solon,” thrice did cry.
The Reason
of those words Cyrus demands,
Who Solon
was? to whom he lifts his hands;
Then to the
King he makes this true report,
That Solon
sometimes at his stately Court,
His
Treasures, pleasures pomp and power did see,
And viewing
all, at all nought moved was he:
That Croesus
angry, urged him to express,
If ever King
equaled his happiness.
(Quoth he) “that
man for happy we commend,
Whose happy
life attains an happy end.”
Cyrus with
pity moved knowing Kings stand,
Now up and
down, as Fortune turns her hand,
Weighing the
Age, and greatness of the Prince,
(His
Mother’s Uncle) stories do evince:
Gave him his
life, and took him for a friend,
Did to him
still his chief designs commend.
View of Delphi with Sacrificial
Procession by Claude Lorrain. (Image Credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia
Commons)
“The Delphic Oracle: A Historical Overview”
By Allison Stockett, Contributing Writer
The Pythia, the oracle at Delphi,
was one of the most powerful and influential women in the Greek world. She was
considered to be the conduit of Apollo, the god of prophecy and truth, and she
was entrusted with delivering divine messages, predictions, and wisdom to
people throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.
The historical origin and status
of the Pythia as the oracle at Delphi evolved over time. In the Archaic period,
the Pythia was typically a female resident of Delphi who had been chosen for
the role, whereas by the Classical period she was a professional priestess and
member of the cultus of Apollo.
The Pythia was a key part of
Delphi's cultus and temple of Apollo. She played a crucial role in the oracles
that were given and the rituals that took place at the sanctuary. She was
viewed as the mouthpiece of Apollo, who communicated through her to bestow
divine guidance and wisdom to individuals who consulted the oracle.
Delphi represented a sacred site
of great importance in the ancient Greek world. It was a place of pilgrimage
for people from throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. Its oracle was
regarded as one of the finest and most credible in the Greco-Roman world, and
oracle-seeking was a popular activity for the educated members of the elite.
The oracle at Delphi was a
powerful political and ideological tool for the city-state of Delphi, which
used the oracle to legitimize its status and power, as it was the official
center for oracular consultations in Greece. Through control of the sanctuary
and oracle, Delphi was able to exert its influence and authority over other
Greek city-states, particularly in the 5th century BCE, during the height of
the Greco-Persian Wars.
The cultus of Apollo and the
oracle at Delphi was an important part of the life and heritage of Delphi. The
cultus and its practices played a central role in the rituals and celebrations
that took place at the sanctuary. The oracle was also a focal point for the
collection of treasures, as it was believed that offerings and treasures
donated to the oracle brought favor and protection from the gods.
The Pythia was one of the most
prominent figures in the cultus of Apollo, and she was the oracle at Delphi.
She was regarded as a mouthpiece of the god and his sacred power, and the
oracles she delivered held great influence and reputability. In the Archaic
period, the Pythia was selected from among the women residing in and around
Delphi and chose to take up the role. By the Classical period, she was
professionally appointed as a priestess and lived in the temple.
In Greek mythology, the origin
of the oracle at the Delphic temple of Apollo is a significant story. According
to the myth, the site of the oracle was chosen by a talking snake that gave the
Greek hero, Python, its name when he was seeking a place to establish a temple
dedicated to Apollo. The temple was built in the center of the sacred site
known as Delphi, which was said to be the birthplace and center of the
universe.
The Delphic temple was
originally a wooden structure before it was replaced by a stone temple that was
constructed in the 6th century BCE during the early Classical period. The
temple was dedicated to Apollo and housed the famous golden statue of the god
that was erected by the Phocian leader, Polymelos, in the 6th century BCE
during the war between the Delphians and the Phocians.
During the Classical period, the
Delphic oracle rose to great prominence, partially due to the increasing power
of the Delphic League, which was formed by a collection of Greek city-states
and which was centered on Delphi. In the 5th century BCE, Delphi was a central
location for major political gatherings and events, and the oracle was
consulted regularly by political and military leaders seeking guidance and
insights.
The oracle at Delphi played such
a vital role in the Delphic League and the political machinations of the
Greco-Persian Wars that the Persian army led by Xerxes attempted to destroy the
oracle in 480 BCE, during the Second Sacred War. The oracle was successfully
protected by the Delphian military forces, and, after their victory in the war,
the Pythia delivered prophecies and oracles related to the triumph that would
be enjoyed by the Greeks over the Persians.
In the 4th century BCE, Delphi
experienced its golden age, reaching the height of its stature and influence.
Delphi was a center of international tourism and pilgrimage, and the sanctuary
itself was enriched with treasures and gifts from people around the
Mediterranean and throughout the Greco-Roman world. During the Third Sacred
War, the oracle was once again the focal point of a conflict between the
Phocians and the Delphians, as well as their allies on either side. The Greeks
emerged victorious and were subsequently granted privileges and special status
by the Delphian League.
Through the 3rd century BCE and
into the Hellenistic period, Delphi experienced a period of prosperity and
growth. The Delphic League was restructured in the 3rd century BCE under the
hegemony of Macedon, though Delphi remained a semi-independent and autonomous
entity within the league. Delphi's sacred status was also recognized by the
leading Macedonian king of the time, Antigonus Gonatas, who rebuilt the temple
in the 3rd century BCE. Delphi's prosperity continued during the Hellenistic
period, and the temple and oracle remained highly revered.
By the end of the Hellenistic
period and into the Roman Empire, Delphi became a center of academic inquiry
and learning, particularly during the time of the Roman emperor Hadrian.
Hadrian himself was deeply interested in ancient Greek philosophy and culture
and was a patron of the arts and humanities. He initiated a large-scale
reconstruction of the sacred sanctuaries at Delphi, including the temple and
the oracle, which continued into the 3rd century CE during the time of the
Roman emperor Aurelian.
In the late Roman empire and the
early Byzantine empire, Delphi experienced a period of decline. The sanctuaries
became smaller and less elaborate, and the oracle was consulted mainly by
individuals seeking personal guidance during times of crisis and adversity. By
the end of the Byzantine Empire, Delphi's sacred status had declined, though it
continued to attract pilgrims and visitors up until the arrival of the Ottoman
Turks in the late 15th century.
With the Ottoman invasion and
establishment of the Ottoman Empire in the area, Delphi experienced a period of
deep decline. The sanctuary was largely abandoned, and the oracle was
abandoned, although small temples and shrines continued to exist in the area
due to its historical importance. The Greeks reclaimed Delphi in the 19th
century, and archaeology resumed at the site. Delphi has now become a famous
tourist attraction and place of academic study.
Today, Delphi remains a major
archaeological site and historical tourist attraction. It has been extensively
studied by archaeologists and historians, and it receives thousands of visitors
each year who come to explore the ancient sanctuary, sacred site, and oracles.
Delphi's sacred nature and powerful historical legacy continue to draw in
researchers, tourists, and individuals seeking the wisdom of the Pythia. It is
a testament to the timeless and universal nature of the Greek cultural heritage
and the enduring fascination of the Pythia and the Delphic oracle.
“The Shadow and the Vision: A Tale of the Pythia”
By Anika Joshi, Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: This piece
of historical fiction is set around 1600 BCE, during the early days of the
Mycenaean Period in Greece. About this time, the Thera volcano in the Aegean
Sea erupted, sending forth a devastating tsunami and other calamities all over
the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The Pythia's
robe,
A shroud of
divine insight.
The oracles
of Apollo,
A chorus of
truths and wisdom.
The air is
sacred and still;
The ground
whispers secrets
Between the
Earth and Sky.
Voices of
the gods and spirits,
Fills the
chambers of truth
And echoes
through time.
Once upon a time, in a land far
away, there lived a wise woman known as the Pythia. She was a priestess and
oracle, renowned in her community for her wisdom and ability to prophesy the
future. The Pythia lived in a small temple, which was dedicated to the gods of
her people. She spent her days in devotion and prayer, listening to her inner
voice and seeking guidance from the divine.
The Pythia had spent many years
in spiritual practice and had cultivated her inner wisdom. She was
well-respected in her community and known for her foresight and knowledge of
the metaphysical. She was often sought out for advice or answers to difficult questions.
One day, while the Pythia was
meditating, she had a vision of a shadowy figure who spoke to her and gave her
a message for the world. The shadow figure told the Pythia that a great crisis
was coming for the world, one that would shake the foundations of humanity and bring
pain and suffering. The Pythia was alarmed by the vision and knew that she must
warn the people, but she struggled to make sense of the cryptic message.
The Pythia was anxious and
conflicted about the vision, unable to interpret its true meaning. She
struggled to understand the shadow figure's warning, wondering what it meant
and how it would unfold in the real world. She was also unsure of whether the people
would believe her if she shared the vision with them.
The Pythia was caught in a
dilemma. She knew she had to share this important message with the people, but
she feared that they wouldn't believe her or take her seriously. She also knew
that there were forces at work who would seek to silence her, to prevent her
from speaking the truth.
The Pythia knew that there were
those who would try to silence her or discredit her, afraid of what she knew
and the power of her words. She was a threat to the status quo, and she knew
that her life was in peril. Her vision and its implications would rock the
foundation of society, and those who wanted to remain in power would do
anything to prevent her from sharing it.
The Pythia was resolved to share
her vision with the people, despite the risks and dangers she faced. She knew
that the implications of her message were too important to remain hidden, and
she was willing to risk her life to share it. Despite the opposition and
obstacles she faced, she stayed true to her calling and her mission.
The Pythia struggled with fear
and trepidation as she prepared to share her vision with the people. She knew
that her words would be rejected by some and ridiculed by others, and she knew
that she might face criticism or even persecution. But, despite all the turmoil
she felt inside, she believed that her message was too important to keep
secret.
The Pythia summoned her courage
and gathered her strength. She took a deep breath and went out before the
people, determined to share her vision with them. She stood and began to speak.
The people were silent as the
Pythia began to speak. She shared her vision of the shadowy figure and its
cryptic message. She told them of the great crisis that was coming, and she
warned them to be prepared. Her words were profound and powerful, and the
people were stunned into silence.
The people were gripped by fear
and confusion as they listened to the Pythia's words. Some were skeptical and
resistant, refusing to believe what she was saying. Others were concerned and
uncertain, unsure of what to make of her vision. Some understood the
seriousness of the situation, and they began to prepare themselves for the
crisis that was coming.
The Pythia finished her speech,
and the people were left with a lot to mull over. Some dismissed what she had
said as mere superstition or a delusion, while others took it to heart and
began to prepare. The Pythia hoped she had made a difference and that her words
had been heard. She had done what she could to warn the people, and now she
waited to see what would happen.
A few days passed, and the
people remained uneasy and concerned about the Pythia's message. Some were
still skeptical, but others were starting to take it seriously. Some made
preparations for the crisis that was to come, while others merely tried to forget
about it and carry on as usual.
Another few days passed, and the
people still discussed and debated the Pythia's warning. Some believed that she
had been right, while others were still skeptical. The pressure was mounting,
and the tension was rising. They waited to see what would happen, hoping that
the vision would prove to be wrong.
More days passed, and the people
watched and waited, unsure of what to expect. The tension was growing, and the
feeling of foreboding was becoming overwhelming. The Pythia's vision loomed
large, and people struggled to make sense of it. They looked around for any
signs or foreshadowing.
As people waited for the crisis
that the Pythia had predicted, they began to notice signs and portents. There
were strange occurrences and unsettling events that suggested that something
was indeed about to happen. The tension was mounting, and people began to feel
even more anxious and fearful.
The signs and portents
continued, and people started to feel even more frightened and anxious. There
were reports of strange weather phenomena, unexplained animal sightings, and
other odd occurrences. People began to wonder if the crisis was indeed happening,
and some even started to blame the Pythia for her warning.
Fear and hysteria spread, and
people were looking for someone to blame. Some turned on the Pythia, accusing
her of causing the tension and worry with her warnings. She was blamed for the
strange occurrences and portents, and there were even rumors that she had
somehow caused the crisis that she had predicted.
While people were trying to find
someone to blame, the tension and worry continued to mount. There were more and
more strange occurrences and portents, and the situation was becoming even more
unsettling and frightening. People were beginning to wonder if the Pythia had
been right all along.
Days turned into weeks, and
weeks into months, and still no catastrophe came despite all the signs and
portents. The tension continued to build as people waited for something to
happen, and the uncertainty and anxiety increased. People began to wonder if
the Pythia had been wrong after all, or if the crisis would never come.
Suddenly, one day, the crisis
hit, and it hit hard. It was a sudden and unexpected event, and it caught
everyone by surprise. The tension and anxiety turned into fear and panic, and
people were suddenly confronted with a situation that was worse than they could
have imagined.
It was a great flood that swept
over the land, burying everything in its path. The floods ravaged the entire Greek
world, destroying cities, towns, villages, and farms. It was a cataclysmic
event of unimaginable destruction, and it impacted everyone, leaving no one
untouched.
The floods continued for days,
weeks, and even months, causing extreme devastation. Whole regions were
underwater, and cities were submerged. Roads and transportation networks were
destroyed, and food sources were ruined. People were forced to flee their
homes, and they were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The floods continued to rage on
and on, destroying everything in their path and wreaking havoc all over the
land. The destruction was immense, and the chaos was unimaginable. People were
displaced and left without shelter, food, water, or any means of support. They
faced a dire situation, and they had no way of getting help or escaping.
After an unknown amount of time,
the floods lessened, and the waters began to recede. The destruction was
immense, but somehow, through the devastation and despair, there was a glimmer
of hope. The water drained away slowly, and the landscape began to resurface.
New life emerged in the aftermath, and the Greek world began to take shape
again.
In the aftermath of the great
flood, people were left with nothing but their lives, yet out of the utter
destruction and despair, a new dawn emerged. The landscape was changed, and the
world seemed brand new. People began to rebuild, and the process of rebirth and
renewal began. Slowly, the Greek world was taking shape again, and life was
beginning to blossom once more...
The Pythia, too, had survived
the great flood, and she was among those who helped to rebuild. She had faced
her fears and remained steadfast in what she knew was true, despite the
opposition and hardships she faced along the way. Now, she was working to help
others and support the rebirth and renewal process. She had made a huge
difference and left her mark on the world.
Years later, the Greek world was
a different place than it had been before. The scars of the great flood were
still visible, but the land was slowly healing. People had rebuilt, and the
process of restoration continued. The Pythia was proud of the progress that had
been made, and she was honored and revered for her vision and wisdom.
The tale of the Pythia and her
vision of a great crisis and its aftermath is a testament to the power of
conviction and resilience in the face of adversity. The Pythia showed that she
was willing to stand up for what she believed in and to face down opposition
and hardship in order to share her vision with the people. Her actions helped
the Greek world survive and rebound, and her wisdom and courage live on in the
hearts and minds of all those who heard her words.
The Pythia is writing down her
prophecies into a book, so that they can be preserved for posterity. (Image
Credit: Digital artwork created by the Editor.)
Weekly Words of Wisdom
Contributed by Skylar Sonnenschein, Editorial Associate
The Oracle at Delphi often spoke
in riddles, but the underlying meaning remains: Trust in yourself and your
intuition, even when the path ahead may appear uncertain.
