Mythology
A seer exiled from Thebes comes to Ionia at the god's command; an oracle is born where history and legend intertwine.
The tears of Manto
Legend says that Manto, daughter of the seer Teiresias, sailed to Ionia at Apollo's command after the fall of Thebes. In the valley where she settled, the sacred spring was said to rise from her tears.
Her son Mopsus became the first and most famous priest of Klaros. The saying “more certain than Mopsus” reflects the faith in his unerring prophecies for centuries.
Three names, one tradition of prophecy
Manto, Mopsus and the defeated seer Calchas.
Exile and spring
Exiled from Thebes, Manto marries the Cretan Rhacius and settles in the valley. The sacred spring is her legacy.
The unerring seer
Manto's son Mopsus becomes famous for the accuracy of his prophecies, founding a hereditary priesthood.
The contest
The Trojan seer Calchas cannot count the unborn piglets of a pregnant sow; Mopsus counts them rightly. Unable to bear defeat, Calchas dies of grief.
How the voice of the god was heard
Torches at full moon, the underground labyrinth and the sacred spring.
The night rite
Seven youths and seven maidens entered the temple with torches and laurel; hymns were sung before the altar.
Descent into darkness
While pilgrims waited above, only the priest (thespiode) descended into the narrow, vaulted underground passages.
Drinking the water
According to Pliny, the priest who drank from the sacred spring gained prophecy, but paid for it with his years.
Seized by the god
As Iamblichus tells it, the priest was not in command of himself; unaware of his words or his place, Apollo spoke through his mouth.
More certain than Mopsus: for a thousand years the oracle of Klaros was remembered this way.
Ancient proverb
These legends became monuments of stone
The temple, the colossal statues and thousands of inscriptions.