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an unexpected oracle

Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 4:10 pm
by alejandro
Hi allI remember having read this somewhere in my adolescence. I reckon it could be a kids-version of Plutarch or a bad recollection of an episode of the romance. In any case, I remembered it lately after many years of having read it, and smiled while thinking about it, so I wanted to share it with you all and, maybe, make you smile too.
The legend has it that Alexander went to an oracle (Delphi maybe?), but he arrived one day when it was not "open as usual" (you know, bank holidays ;). Alex was not going to let this small detail stop him, so he exhorted the pythia (?) to prophesy for him. She first refused to do it, so Alexander dragged her to her tripod. The woman, upset, told him while being shoved "nothing will stop you" (I would have added "ah?", while showing my displeasure). Immediately, Alexander let her go saying "I will take that as the oracle".
Awesome reply!
Cheers!Alejandro

Re: an unexpected oracle

Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 1:32 am
by Link
Alexander
(died B.C.E.)
By Plutarch
Written A.C.E.
Translated by John DrydenThen he went to Delphi, to consult Apollo concerning the success of the war he had undertaken, and happening to come on one of the forbidden days, when it was esteemed improper to give any answer from the oracle, he sent messengers to desire the priestess to do her office; and when she refused, on the plea of a law to the contrary, he went up himself, and began to draw her by force into the temple, until tired and overcome with his importunity, "My son," said she, "thou art invincible." Alexander taking hold of what she spoke, declared he had received such an answer as he wished for, and that it was needless to consult the god any further. Yes its one of the comedy sections (just after Diogenes) in Plutarch.The Pythian, was the "opityian" in Macedonian meaning the asker/questioner, the Apollo is "Opullon" in Macedonian, the Visionary.He was declared "Anikitos"(invincibe sp?)Don't confuse Pythian with a python (in Macedonian "oputon", the strangler, just like the python snake)