Vyas, Loo, Dale 1
Neha Vyas, Lauren Loo, and Kerianna Dale
Mr. Clarkson
Honors English 10 Period 8
23 April 2009
Ancient Greek Report
Researchers question the legitimacy of the Oracle at Delphi, leading to the conclusion
that this highly esteemed institution was a farce.
Throughout history, many people based their decisions upon religion and religious ideas.
While the Bible, the Torah, or the Qu’ran, greatly impact much of society today, perhaps the
Oracle at Delphi influenced Greek citizens the most. Many believed the Oracle correctly
interpreted the words of the Greek god Apollo. Some historians find that the interpretations made
by the Oracle, however, seem too vague to convey the thoughts of Apollo.
According to a Greek myth, Delphi originally existed to pay respect to a giant dragon,
Python. Apollo, determined to rid Delphi of the dragon, killed the monster with a single arrow.
After triumphing over Python in an epic battle, Apollo took the shrine as his own (Carr). When
he claimed Delphi, he bestowed divine powers to a priestess known as “Pythia.” Many people
from all over Europe visited Delphi to hear the advice of Apollo, translated by this priestess.
During each visit, Pythia inhaled vapors arising from a crevice in the temple’s ground, while
sitting on a stool and chewing laurel leaves. The priestess, after this inhalation, entered a trance
and answered questions, while a nearby priest, Plutarch, interpreted her responses (Leadbetter).
The people of the Mediterranean region placed great faith in the Oracle without
questioning the truth of the prophecies given. Ordinary citizens and highly respected officials of
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Greek and foreign origin paid high prices for Pythia’s insight. Few people made major decisions
without seeking advice from the Oracle first ("The Greeks - The Oracle at Delphi").
Because of the Oracle at Delphi’s undeniable power, ancient folk referred to the Oracle
as the center of the world, also referred to as “Omphalos” (“Delphi”). The Oracle at Delphi often
provided vague insight, leaving room for interpretation. Because people could decipher
prophecies however they chose, the Oracle consistently provided accurate information. One
example of the ambiguity of the Oracle at Delphi involved Croesus, King of Lydia. Wanting to
enter Persia, Croesus sought the advice of the Oracle. The priestess, Pythia, told Croesus that a
nation would fall upon the crossing of the Persian border. The King of Lydia, assuming that
Persia would fall, continued to enter Persia. Upon penetrating the border, however, Lydia fell.
The lack of clarity in the Oracle’s advice allowed the prophecy to be correct (“Responsible
Thinking: Vague Claims”).
In conclusion, while the Oracle at Delphi held an esteemed position in the lives of ancient
people, the institution failed to provide adequate guidance. Ancient civilizations placed too much
emphasis on the Oracle at Delphi, which only offered vague instruction. The price that people
paid for advice, in combination with the ambiguity indicates that the Oracle at Delphi was simply
a sham.
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Works Cited
Carr, Karen. "Delphi." Kidipede. Kidipede. 30 Mar. 2009
<http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/religion/delphi.htm>.
"Delphi." Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece. 30 Mar. 2009 <http://ancientgreece.org/history/delphi.html>.
"The Greeks - The Oracle at Delphi." PBS. PBS. 30 Mar. 2009
<http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/background/7_p1.html>.
Leadbetter, Robert. "Apollo." Encyclopedia Mythica. Encyclopedia Mythica. 30 Mar. 2009
<http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/apollo.html>.
"Responsible Thinking: Vague Claims." Responsible Thinking. Responsible Thinking. 30 Mar.
2009 <http://www.truthpizza.org/logic/vague.htm>.