But the most celebrated of the Grecian oracles was that of Apollo at Delphi, a city built on the slopes of Parnassus in Phocis.

It had been observed at a very early period that the goats feeding on Parnassus were thrown into convulsions when they approached a certain long deep cleft in the side of the mountain.  This was owing to a peculiar vapor arising out of the cavern, and one of the goatherds was induced to try its effects upon himself.  Inhaling the intoxicating air, he was affected in the same manner as the cattle had been, and the inhabitants of the surrounding country, unable to explain the circumstance, imputed the convulsive ravings to which he gave utterance while under the power of the exhalations to a divine inspiration.  The fact was speedily circulated widely, and a temple was erected on the spot.  The prophetic influence was at first variously attributed to the goddess Earth, to Neptune, Themis, and others, but it was at length assigned to Apollo, and to him alone.  A priestess was appointed whose office it was to inhale the hallowed air, and who was named the Pythia.  She was prepared for this duty by previous ablution at the fountain of Castalia, and being crowned with laurel was seated upon a tripod similarly adorned, which was placed over the chasm whence the divine afflatus proceeded.  Her inspired words while thus situated were interpreted by the priests.

ORACLE OF TROPHONIUS

Besides the oracles of Jupiter and Apollo, at Dodona and Delphi, that of Trophonius in Boeotia was held in high estimation.  Trophonius and Agamedes were brothers.  They were distinguished architects, and built the temple of Apollo at Delphi, and a treasury for King Hyrieus.  In the wall of the treasury they placed a stone, in such a manner that it could be taken out; and by this means, from time to time, purloined the treasure.  This amazed Hyrieus, for his locks and seals were untouched, and yet his wealth continually diminished.  At length he set a trap for the thief and Agamedes was caught.  Trophonias, unable to extricate him, and fearing that when found he would be compelled by torture to discover his accomplice, cut off his head.  Trophonius himself is said to have been shortly afterwards swallowed up by the earth.

The oracle of Trophonius was at Lebadea in Boeotia.  During a great drought the Boeotians, it is said, were directed by the god at Delphi to seek aid of Trophonius at Lebadea.  They came thither, but could find no pracle.  One of them, however, happening to see a swarm of bees, followed them to a chasm in the earth, which proved to be the place sought.

Peculiar ceremonies were to be performed by the person who came to consult the oracle.  After these preliminaries, he descended into the cave by a narrow passage.  This place could be entered only in the night.  The person returned from the cave by the same narrow passage, bat walking backwards.  He appeared melancholy and defected; and hence the proverb which was applied to a person low-spirited and gloomy, “He has been consulting the oracle of Trophonius.”