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Pythia

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Religious Figure

The Resume

    (circa 700 BC-393)
    Born in Delphi, Greece
    High priestess of Apollo at the temple of Delphi
    Delivered prophecies on the seventh day of the month
    Entered into a trance allegedly caused by vapors rising from the rotting body of a dragon killed by Apollo
    Modern research suggests the trance may have been caused by ethylene gas

Why she might be annoying:

    People seeking her advice drew lots to determine the order of admission, but a large donation to Apollo could secure one a place at the front of the line.
    The priests who transcribed her prophecies may have edited and interpreted them in the process.
    Her prophecies were usually ambiguous.
    For example, King Croesus of Lydia asked if he should go to war with Persia and was told he would 'destroy a great empire.' He attacked and lost, destroying a great empire -- his own.

Why she might not be annoying:

    Her prophecies convinced the Athenians to fight the naval battle of Salamis, leading to the defeat of a Persian invasion.
    The Pythia was originally a beautiful young virgin; after one was abducted and raped by a supplicant, the Delphians only chose women over 50 for the position. (Sure, blame the victim.)
    When she delivered a prophecy to Nero that displeased the emperor, he had her buried alive.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 24 Votes: 45.83% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 69.23% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 17 Votes: 52.94% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 20 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 30 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 30 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 68 Votes: 47.06% Annoying