Oracle Acolyte

Reader of Smoke

At sanctuaries like Delphi, temple acolytes served the oracle of Apollo, attending the Pythia who delivered prophecy while seated above the sacred chasm. These attendants tended the altars, interpreted omens drawn from sacrificial smoke and entrails, and relayed the god's cryptic words to kings and commoners alike. Before any war, colony, or great venture, Greeks and foreigners journeyed to consult the divine will through such priestly intermediaries.