In Greek mythology, Apollo was believed to speak through the oracle at Delphi. The priestess known as the Pythia delivered Apollo’s prophecies from the sanctuary at Delphi, a major religious center in ancient Greece.
According to myth, Apollo took control of Delphi after defeating Python, a serpent associated with the earlier Earth goddess Gaia. The sanctuary then became dedicated to Apollo, and pilgrims traveled there to ask about wars, travel, marriage, politics, and other major decisions.
The Pythia entered a prophetic state and gave responses that priests interpreted or presented in poetic form. Her statements were sometimes deliberately ambiguous, which allowed different outcomes to be understood as fulfilling the prophecy.
Delphi was also famous for the inscription “Know thyself” and for the Pythian Games, held in Apollo’s honor. Apollo’s role at Delphi should not be confused with Zeus, the chief Olympian god, or Hermes, the divine messenger.