Oracle of Delphi: Everything important explained simply

The Delphi oracle is still known from literature, philosophy and history. But how did it actually come about and how does the cult explain it?

How the Delphi Oracle was created

"Oracle" means "divination" and this is exactly what happened in the Temple of Apollo in the ancient city of Delphi. Because of a myth, the Delphi oracle became a focal point for political and philosophical advice, prophecies, and economic advice.

• According to legend, Zeus sent two eagles around the world in the opposite direction. Once they flew around, they met in Delphi.
• That is why the city of Delphi was declared the center of the earth and the Greek god Apollo, god of light, healing, poetry and of measure and insight chose the city as his settlement.
• The city of Delphi was previously called Pytho and only became around 500 BC. renamed Delphi. According to legend, to move to his temple, Apollo had to strike the dragon Python, which turned into a snake after his death.
• The word Apollo was supposed to be spoken in the Delphic oracle by a priestess - she was called Pythia. At the prophecy, it is said that vapors rose from the ground, which caused the Pythia to go into a trance to announce Apollo's prophecies.
• The oracle was valid until AD 391. as a place of worship, but this year all existing oracles were banned by the Christian emperor Theodosius I.

Famous oracle sayings from Delphi

Both in literature and in history between about 700 BC. until 391 AD great importance was attached to the Delphic oracle sayings. The Pythia played a major role in deciding war and peace and had enormous social influence. Kings and great philosophers asked the oracle for advice. However, sometimes it is difficult to prove whether genuine Delphi quotations have been transmitted or whether some historical figures used them more as stylistic devices. After all, mythology, philosophy and politics were closely interwoven in antiquity. Some oracle sayings are known to date:

• Croesus: Croesus, the king of Lydia, questioned the oracle of Delphi when he wanted to go to war. The prophecy read: "If Croesus crosses the Halys, he will destroy a great empire." Croesus was then certain that he could beat the Persian king Cyrus II, but he misinterpreted the oracle. He did not destroy his opponent's realm, but lost and destroyed his own realm.
• Oedipus: The myth of Oedipus begins with Laios, the king of Thebes, consulting the oracle of Delphi. He is prophesied that his son would kill him and marry his wife, whereupon he abandons his newborn. The child, Oedipus, grows up without knowing that he is the son of Laios. Different circumstances cause Laios and Oedipus to meet. In self-defense, Oedipus kills the king and frees Thebes from the Sphinx. As a reward, he is allowed to marry the queen and the prophecy is fulfilled without the mother and son knowing about the relatives.
• Iphigenia on Tauris: In the drama "Iphigenie on Tauris" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a Delphic oracle saying also plays a central role. Orest wanted to avenge his father and therefore killed his mother. He wants to know from the oracle how he can pay this debt and is told that he should bring the sister back to Greece. He believes Apollon means his own sister instead of Orest's sister, which is another misinterpretation of the prophecy.