Finding the Pythia

Author:

Dijulio, Melissa Nicole

Area of Honors:

Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type:

Thesis

Thesis Supervisors:

Zoe Stamatopoulou, Thesis Supervisor
Mary Lou Zimmerman Munn, Thesis Honors Advisor
Timothy Michael Ryan, Thesis Honors Advisor

Keywords:

Delphi
Oracle
Pythia

Abstract:

As a historical figure, Pythia, the Delphic oracle, that mysterious mouthpiece of the Greek god Apollo, has largely escaped public attention. Though her words live on in the writings of the ancient authors Aeschylus, Herodotus, and Plutarch, to name of few, the person behind the famous utterances is all but forgotten. In fact, there are only four named Pythias that are known to modern scholars, and beyond their names, not much more can be said of them. However, through the examination of the Delphic oracle as an example or descendant of the earlier practice of spirit possession, I make connections and postulate theories that may further explain the origin, mindset, and influences of these tripod-perched women. In furtherance of this aim, I examine the possible presence of hallucinogens, especially ethylene gas, and the way these substances may have influenced and formed Delphic practices. Looking to literary figure of Cassandra and possible connections to Earth goddess worship, I hope to further find meaning for the peculiarities and mysteries surrounding Apollo’s oracular cult at Delphi.