tiresias
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Definition
Proper noun In Greek mythology, Tiresias was a blind prophet from the city of Thebes. He possessed the gift of prophecy and insight into the will of the gods, often serving as a crucial source of divine truth for other characters.
Usage
Tiresias is used as a name referring specifically to this mythological figure. It is typically used in contexts discussing classical mythology, literature, or drama. * The king consulted Tiresias to learn the cause of the plague. * In the play, Tiresias reveals a painful truth to the protagonist.
Advanced Usage
- As a symbol: In literary analysis, Tiresias often symbolizes prophetic wisdom, the paradox of physical blindness versus spiritual sight, and the unavoidable nature of fate.
- The character of the blind seer is a modern reinterpretation of the Tiresias archetype.
Variants and Related Words
- Tiresian (adjective): Of or relating to the prophet Tiresias.
- The play contains a Tiresian moment of tragic revelation.
Synonyms
- Prophet
- Seer
- Oracle (though this usually refers to a place or the priestess channeling a god, not a specific person)
Related Cultural References
- Literary Appearances: Tiresias is a significant figure in Sophocles' plays and , and appears in Homer's .
- Mythological Background: Myths explain his blindness and prophetic gift, often involving encounters with the gods Athena and Hera.
Noun
- (Greek mythology) the blind prophet of Thebes who revealed to Oedipus that Oedipus had murdered his father and married his mother