The Greek mythological prophet Tiresias is transformed into a woman by the goddess Hera, after striking two copulating snakes with a stick. According to Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman author and naturalist, Tiresias became the first person to use augury (observing omens amongst birds) as a method of telling the future. In some retellings of this myth, Athena cleans Tiresias’ ears and gives him the ability to understand birds. In accidentally witnessing Athena naked, Tiresias may have unwittingly seen the goddess’ true form, and so is immediately punished for trespassing on divine knowledge. The story becomes a fascinating parable regarding the relationship between man and divine power according to scholars, the gods do not possess a “body” as we perceive the term, but rather appear to humankind in forms they deem most comforting or familiar. Upon seeing Athena’s naked body, Tiresias is instantly struck blind as punishment.Ĭhariclo becomes angry, insisting the punishment is too severe, but Athena explains that to witness a god without their having willed it bears “a great price.” The goddess eventually relents and gives Tiresias divine sight, long life, a staff to help guide him, and retained consciousness after death as compensation. For the Bath of Pallas, the ancient Greek poet (310 BC to 240 BC) tells the story of Tiresias accidentally witnessing Athena bathing with his mother, Chariclo. One way in which Tiresias goes blind comes at the hands of the goddess Athena. ( Public domain ) Divine Secrets: Tiresias is Struck Blind by Athena In each case, he is compensated with the gift of prophecy after having his eyesight destroyed.ĭiana, the Roman name for the Greek goddess Athena, leaving her bath, by François Boucher. There are several variations on this aspect of Tiresias’ history, but all involve him being born with normal sight and being blinded later in life by a deity.
Perhaps the most interesting part of Tiresias’ mythology, however, are the tales of how he became blind. This was due in part to Tiresias’ penchant for speaking cryptically, often giving his predictions and advice in the form of riddles or hints. Zeus and Hera – A Match for the First Couple of Genesis?ĭuring his lifetime, Tiresias advised numerous kings of Thebes, from Pentheus to Oedipus, though his predictions were often ignored until after the events had come to pass.He retained his prophetic gift in the underworld and was sought out there by Odysseus for advice.
According to the Greek myths, it was said that Tiresias lived for seven generations before being killed by Apollo. In all cases, Tiresias is a blind seer who was granted long life by the gods. The character of Tiresias appears in multiple Greek myths, including The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and The Phoenician Women, amongst numerous other hymns and poems throughout the ages. His parents were the Theban shepherd Eueres and the nymph Chariclo. Tiresias was born in Thebes and was said to be descended from the Sparti, a legendary line of Theban nobility. One such character is Tiresias, the blind seer of Thebes, whose origins have inspired academic discourse and curiosity for generations. There are, however, a plethora of other significant Grecian figures who remain relatively unknown despite being just as fascinating.
These gods and heroes of ancient Grecian myth have carved out a lasting place in the imaginations of millions. Movies, video games, and comic books have made mythological figures like Zeus, Hercules, and Hades household names across the globe.
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