Beyond Oracular Ambiguity

In studies of ancient Greek divination, oracles are often claimed to pronounce ambiguous but true statements within an intricately ordered cosmos. There exist, however, several problematic exceptions. Book 2 the Iliad , Zeus deliberately deceives Agamemnon through a prophetic dream; Hesiod’s Muses speak truths or lies depending on their mood; and Apollo’s utterances can harm as easily help. The possibility divine deceit forces us reconsider ontological assumptions which early divination was understood operate. Adopting Philippe Descola’s concept ‘analogism’, I argue that rather than means reading cosmos, resembles more act diplomacy, attempt establish successful communication with supernatural beings always potentially fragmented world.