The Pythia: the voice of the god Apollo in the oracle of Delphi.

In the middle of Greece, high in the mountains, once lay ancient Delphi. It was famous not only for its magnificent temples and sacred sites, but above all for the oracle that was based there. At the center of the oracle was Pythia, the priestess of the god Apollo.
Young women, usually from humble backgrounds, were appointed as Pythia after a rigorous selection process. It was believed that she received the words of the god Apollo in a state of trance and proclaimed his prophecies and advice to those who asked.
Before the Pythia descended into the sacred chamber, the Adyton, she prepared herself carefully. She drank from the sacred Kastalia spring and chewed laurel leaves. In the Adyton, vapors rose from a fissure in the earth, which put her into a trance. In this state, she spoke words that were often dark and enigmatic and had to be interpreted by priests.

The Pythia’s prophecies had an immense influence on the ancient world. Kings and generals sought her advice before making important decisions. Pilgrims from all parts of Greece and beyond flocked to Delphi to find out the will of the gods.

However, the oracle’s influence waned over the course of the 4th century AD. In 391 AD, it was finally closed by Emperor Theodosius I in the course of Christianization. The voice of the Pythia fell silent, but the myth lives on. To this day, the story of the Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi fascinates people all over the world.

In my interpretation of Pyhtia, she looks into the distance, her eyes shine, and she sees something coming towards us.

What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

Lighting and pose.

If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

Nothing 🙂

Wolfgang Gangl shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Wolfgang Gangl, Graz, Austria

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