Prophecy in Greek Mythology: Oracles & Seers (Not Angels)

Angels do not exist in Greek mythology. Divine messages came through:

Oracles (Chrēstēria)

• Priestesses/priests at sacred sites who delivered gods' answers.
• Delphi (Apollo) – Pythia, trance-induced utterances interpreted by priests.
• Dodona (Zeus) – Rustling oak leaves, doves.
• Siwa (Ammon) – Consulted by Alexander.

Seers (Manteis)

• Individuals with innate or acquired prophetic vision.
• Tiresias (blind Theban seer), Calchas (Trojan War), Helenus, Cassandra (cursed truth-teller).
• Methods: bird signs (ornithomancy), entrails (haruspicy), dreams, direct visions.

Both served as intermediaries between gods and mortals, guiding decisions on war, colonization, ritual, and personal fate.