The Delphic Oracle - by Joseph Fontenrose (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Delphic Oracle: Its Responses and Operations with a Catalogue of Responses explores the enigmatic and storied institution of the Delphic Oracle, separating historical reality from myth and modern misconceptions. The book offers a comprehensive examination of all recorded responses attributed to the Oracle, whether historical, legendary, or fictional, presenting a nuanced understanding of its operations. Over a thousand years, the Oracle served as a center of spiritual and political guidance in ancient Greece. Contrary to popular myths about intoxicating vapors and frenzied prophecies, the author argues that the Pythia delivered clear, coherent responses directly to the consultants, grounded in tradition rather than supernatural phenomena.

This volume challenges enduring beliefs and misconceptions, including the portrayal of ambiguous riddles and mystical rituals that have dominated modern interpretations. It meticulously categorizes responses into historical, quasi-historical, legendary, and fictional, drawing on both ancient texts and modern archaeological findings. The analysis sheds light on how oracles functioned within their cultural context and how their narratives evolved over time. With a rich catalogue of responses and a critical approach, the book provides an invaluable resource for understanding one of the ancient world's most iconic institutions.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1978.