Divine Deceit: Corruption at the Temple of Apollo, Delphi
As a god of many things, Apollo was also the god of prophecy. For many years, he wandered in search of a place fit for his oracles. Under the guidance of a nymph, he made his way to the slopes of Mount Parnassus to build his glorious temple. The only thing he need do was slay the enormous she-dragon, the serpent Python. Upon his success, he built his towering complex and declared that mankind may forever offer their riches in exchange for his faithful advice. Apollo then transformed into a dolphin, bringing sailors from Crete to his shores and making them his priests.
Henceforth, his temple, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, became the center of the ancient world, providing words of wisdom to the prestigious, political, and common folk alike. Flourishing for over a millennium, Delphi was rich in both wealth and adoration. Still, much remained hidden beneath the chasms of Mount Parnassus, aside from prophetic fumes. Ancient words were powerful, and Delphi was the epitome of oracular influence. But power, no matter how benevolent its beginnings, eventually and inevitably sows the seeds of corruption.
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From Priestess Cult to Male Supremacy
The true origin of Delphi began during the early Mycenaean era as a sanctuary dedicated to the earth goddess, Gaia, and later Themis, goddess of divine law. It was said that Python, which Apollo slew, was there to protect the priestesses and their oracles. Additionally, the fumes so popularly referenced that produced a psychotropic effect on the oracles can be tied back to this enigmatic priestess cult, given that it was a gift from the earth, Gaia. The Greek historian Diodorus Siculus claimed that when Apollo’s Delphi was established, the Delphians coincidentally stumbled upon this mystifying chasm emitting vapors that led to delusional ecstasy and visions. Suddenly, people began diving into the chasm, never to be seen again; so, as a precaution, it was decided that only one be chosen to breathe these holy vapors.
Red-figure kylix depicting King Aigeus with the Pythia. (Zde / CC BY-SA 4.0)
Top image: Temple of Athena Pronaia in ancient Delphi, Greece. Source: Mapics / Adobe Stock
