Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarchi Chaeronensis Moralia, Vol II. Vernardakēs, Grēgorios N., editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1891.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a dialogue in which intellectuals visiting Delphi discuss why the oracles of the Pythia (priestess of Delphi) are no longer delivered in stately verse but in simple prose. Initiated by debates over the beauty of the bronze statues and dedications at the sanctuary, the speakers—including Theon, Sarapion, and Boethus—eventually turn to the central theme of the shifting style of divine revelation. They argue that while God provides the prophetic inspiration, the linguistic expression is mediated through the imperfect human soul and physical body of the priestess. Unlike the past, when politically turbulent times demanded ambiguous and suggestive poetry, the peaceful and stable modern era is suited to clear and simple prose, which enhances the clarity and credibility of the oracle. Ultimately, the dialogue demonstrates that the transition to prose is not a decline in divine power but a rational adaptation to human history, celebrating the enduring revival of the Delphic sanctuary.