So What WAS the Deal with the Oracle of Delphi?

[@KazRowe]

👒🔍 Download June’s Journey for free now using my link: woo.ga/imod995s

[@jaynedavies2757]

Of course they wouldn't have found the vapour. the gases, from the faults, intersected in a CHAMBER. CHAMBERS = ROOMS. Rooms, which no longer exist, which also means, that any vapours could escape into the atmosphere, instead of being confined, the the room

[@CAP198462]

Who needs Apollo, we have Google.

[@carlosalbuquerque22]

Actually the tectonic gases hypothesis has long been discredited by multiple academia. I recommend the Religionforbreakfast video on it

[@kinghenryxl1747]

OMG Kaz. You look so radiant and majestic in this video. Here are your flowers 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

einstein has the answer; e = m x c squared so how can mass be zero? in dreams. in dreams w can spacetime-travel

[@blindalleycomics6351]

Inhaling ethylene fumes couldn't have been healthy...maybe the real reason for the "Winter Break" was to give the poor Pythia time to recover.

[@reaverkai]

I was thinking perhaps there's a season in which earthquales and general sismic action is more prevalent? Like there's hurricane season and such. But idk, im in a zone with zero activity of any kind so no clue. I would google but i gotta sleep hah

[@onbearfeet]

​@reaverkai Hi. I've lived for 40 years in a quake zone. Earthquakes, large and small, happen every day. There isn't really a "season", which is part of what makes earthquake forecasting so difficult.

[@onbearfeet]

It's also likely that travel was more difficult in winter, thus reducing the number of visitors and increasing the odds that some would die on the way. Bad for business, if you're a temple to a god of prophecy.

[@Ellestra]

Seismic activity is not seasonal but if the water was important part of the delivery system then that might be explanation. Maybe the stream was either flooding - cutting off or dissolving too much of the gases - or drying out - and letting gases to leave the fault some other way. But one day a month already seems like something designed in a way that makes sure the oracle doesn't ovedo the fumes.

[@carlosalbuquerque22]

The ethylene thing has been disproved by multiple academics

[@sophiahardt]

I love that the Apollo drawing the background says “aghh I have prophecies tomorrow” 😂👍

[@wolfwatch9731]

followed up by "but not the day after that"

[@dazcnt]

I loved this 😂👌

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Literally came to the comments section to check if I was the only one, very pleased I was not.

[@geekdivaherself]

I, on the other hand, only figured out that they were readable _from_ the comments!

[@just_a_hampa]

I’M CRYING I JUST NOTICED LMAOO😂😂😂

[@Restill-v2y]

Geologist, PhD here. This video was SO MUCH FUN and exceptionally accurate - discussions ranging from the nature of bituminous limestone to ethylene volatilization risks. I'm seriously impressed! GNEISS work on this! :D

[@lmc689]

My favorite part was when the geologist found the fault in the historians theory that there were no cracks in the earth to release fumes. Geologists rock.

[@allisonhomiak2336]

Kaz really knows their schist.

[@benjalucian1515]

@@lmc689 Their conversation literally went something like this De Boer: "Oh, John you should have been with me when I went to Delphi. I saw the fault that went under the Temple of Apollo." Hale: "I was glad to tell Jelle, _You're wrong. There is no fault line, archaeologist discovered no fault that is a myth_ He became very incensed and asked if I would know a fault line if I saw one. I had to admit that I wouldn't"

[@maryeckel9682]

Ba dum tsss!

[@j_fenrir]

​@@allisonhomiak2336 i see you, fellow pjo fan

[@ThaetusZain]

I am actually more surprised nobody really cared what Dionysus thought he's the god of wine... like you would think during that time period people would be asking things like "I did some repairs on my house and now my wine tastes all weird. Is there anything I can do to make ammends?".

[@WolfieDawn]

Wine, debauchery, and insanity actually but yeah fair lol

[@kennethrapp1379]

I know, who wants to talk to the god of fun anyway?

[@VenusMacabre]

As far as I know (and I'm not an expert, just a modern Dionysus worshipper), the cult of Dionysus started as a marginal, and I think outlawed in many places, cult that especially attracted, well, people in the margins of society, such as slaves and women. Dionysus' title as father of liberation deals with more than just the loss of inhibition from drunkenness. Despite the many attempts to drown it out by the different local authorities, the cult kept going and at some point aristocrats and such decided to take the cult of Dionysus into the mainstream because it would be easier to control that way and they started to mind the decadence a little less, so his cult became institutionalized and he started to be considered the 12th Olympian in place of Hestia, which is honestly a crime (replacing her, not adding Dionysus in), because Hestia is amazing in her own right.

[@VenusMacabre]

@@WolfieDawn Effeminacy, theater (emphasis on tragedies) and liberation too, as well as being associated with nature. Also a trickster god.

[@aardvark8553]

​@@VenusMacabreisn't he also one of the oldest Greek gods? As in following. I could have sworn they found temples/rituals involving him way before the rest of the Greek pantheon became involved

[@Sewstine]

Interestingly, ethylene is VERY flammable, and the fact that there was no documented source of flames in that room is highly suggestive that it might indeed be ethylene! LOVE this theory!

[@semoremo9548]

Wait if it's flammable, how come it makes sense that there's no record of flames? Shouldn't it be the opposite?

[@liptoncunningham6666]

@@semoremo9548 What they are saying is that nobody lit flames in the room. which makes sense. They likely knew the vapors were flammable and avoided any fire in the area.

[@semoremo9548]

@@liptoncunningham6666 Oh jeez I just got that. Thanks for explaining!

[@Ichinisan-xp6mm]

​@@semoremo9548 they meant to say that since the Greeks KNEW it was flammable, they made sure to not use flames inside the chamber

[@pavladavlas]

The Pythia was also known to chew on leaves of oleander and inhale its fumes as it burned. These fumes, when inhaled, can lead to symptoms similar to those of epilepsy, which was known as the “sacred disease.” I remember reading a while ago that such fumes were likely led through the air vents and probably to just below the Pythia’s seat, as traces of burnt oleander had also been found in an underground chamber at Delphi. This would also explain why the Oracle was only available in the summer months (oleander flowers from early summer to mid-autumn and inhaling its fumes regularly for a prolonged amount of time can shorten an individual’s lifespan significantly), and might also explain the entire “the goats go crazy there” thing, as they may have eaten the oleander growing in the vicinity, though I have no idea how goats are affected by it in comparison to humans.

[@shinekitten7669]

what's your source on this?

[@Mavisdundundunnnmanston]

I'd also like this source, but I also now keep thinking about the book/ film "white oleander." They live rent free in my head. So now I'm imagining Michelle Pfeiffer as an oracle of delphi.

[@pavladavlas]

@@shinekitten7669 A Bittersweet Story: the True Nature of the Laurel of the Oracle of Delphi, a scholarly article published by Haralampos Harissis in 2014. No idea as to how accurate it may be, as I am by no means a professional ancient historian and, truth be told, neither is Harissis (his field is medicine, but I think a medical/toxicological angle may very well offer further insight into the matter) and it's been a hot minute (i.e. a few years) since I read it, so this theory may have been disproven by now.

[@sarahleony]

@@Mavisdundundunnnmanstonfair 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@intrusive-th0t]

I have epilepsy and feel cheated that I’m not revered as an oracle today 😔

[@lukaj679]

The idea that cannabis was common in the region but NO ONE ever said "it smells like weed in here" is enough for me. I can't go anywhere weed smoke is/has been without someone pointing it out lol

[@MordredsGirl]

The fact the dude claims weed is ‘sweet smelling’ is sending me. Weed funk is such a distinct smell 😂

[@kartos.]

@mordredsgirl i was laughing so hard at that. it reeks of skunk and old gym socks.

[@gearandalthefirst7027]

@@kartos. To be fair, not all weed is skunk weed, some smells pretty decent but who knows what kinds they had back then

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

There are real mind expanding strains. At the right placetimeperson

[@purplepedantry]

Well, Hellas overall had and used it, but it isn't even a hallucinogen, so I doubt the man ever had any interaction with it.

[@JeraWizard]

"And for some reason the only thing helping me is Dr Pepper" -- optimal moment for an in-video link to the Snake Oil Tierlist video, hehe

[@jessehammer123]

I know! My thought was “How Southern of them”.

[@RealBradMiller]

Okay... I had this weird dream where someone was obsessed with Dr. Pepper, and like killed someone over it. They were hoarding it, and even confessed to get some... And then I thought it was on the radio, but then I had all this Dr. Pepper to get rid of. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 🥤 📦📦📦📦📦📦📦

[@just_a_hampa]

The….what..?

[@teaumanport]

If nothing else, this is a much more fun version of the phrase "she's come down with a case of the vapors."

[@mashawonder]

i just wanna say how smart your makeup is. The elongated dark brows are a staple of the Cretan makeup looks depicted on vases and statues of the time and the soft brown tones look earthy n natural with a modern twist of golden glitter… u an artist

[@ElvenAngel]

I have to admit, as a Greek and an amateur archaeologist (I had to abandon my studies midway due to financial reasons :( ) I got a bit tense in the first minute of the video. I'm really used to westerners jumping to conclusions or using terrible sources in their research and discourse, so I have to say, I was immensely relieved and very pleasantly surprised as you carried on. Your sources are excellent, exactly the kind I'd reach for while I was still studying the subject in university and you approached the topic from a great position of neutrality, without resorting to presentism. Even your humour is on point and put a smile on my face; I'm sorta fed up with over-the-top humour and reactions and your chill approach is so much more enjoyable. I was especially happy about how frank you were regarding the fact that for a lot of things about the ancient world, we're just never going to have concrete answers. I wish more people would digest that fact and stop trying to impose modern morals and rationality to ancient ways of thought we simply can't understand anymore. It's not a bad thing; it's just the nature and effect of time and change in human society. The further we move away from an old way of thinking, the more alien it will seem to us. I love your content because you keep the quality of the discourse to a very high, yet still accessible level and with just one video, you've made up for a lot of the disappointment I've had from the wider online community about their takeaways from Greek history, culture and myth. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and research with us.

[@shalalala4875]

I am curious if there are any other KZbin channels you enjoy Greek history/mythology from? If so, please share!

[@Userinterfaceexperience]

This is western mythology though

[@erraticonteuse]

14:21 Or in the case of the famous prophecy "Croeses, if you make war on Persia, a great empire will fall," as one of my favorite (and criminally underrated) KZbinrs Generic History Videos put it thus: "The oracle basically said, 'If there is a war, someone is going to lose', and it doesn't exactly take a god to figure that out."

[@MarcyTheKindaCoolWizard]

Sun Tzu of the ancient greek world

[@shinjinobrave]

The Pythia: it's just a prank bro!

[@WhyGodby]

Not necessarily The downfall of either state was not guaranteed, most inter imperial wars end state is not complete destruction of the adversarial state The prediction was not just hedging bets

[@blueskylark9965]

A geology nerd who also really likes history, the entire time I was “Why didn’t they do a survey for faults? Greece is VERY VOLCANIC, there could be all sorts of natural gasses!!!” And I feel. So vindicated.

[@joeyoung431]

The biggest problem I had teaching Greek mythology and religion in New Zealand was convincing my students that there were possible interpretations of Delphi beyond the money-making scam they all immediately assumed it was. This is what happens when you let Goths win the Enlightenment.

[@juliarose.driscoll]

Hiya! I have a degree in Classical Humanities and my magnum opus (yes Latin was in there too) was this 20-something-page paper on the Oracle at Delphi. Just popped in to say I think this was an awesome video on one of my all time favorite subjects, and so well researched. Today I’m a public historian, and I love all of your videos no matter what time period you focus on. 😊 Thanks for what you do!

[@milaces1323]

OMG you, covering the oracle?!? I'm obsessed with the spiritual practices of ancient Greece like visiting the oracle or the Dionysiac rituals. Thank you!!! 😊

[@chase5298]

is it because you read percy jackson when you were 12?

[@milaces1323]

@@chase5298 Never read Percy Jackson lol.

[@jacobtaylor8250]

​@@chase5298 it's because a lot of us grew up on Greek myths

[@chase5298]

I don't remember asking you@@jacobtaylor8250

[@chase5298]

You should!@@milaces1323

[@MFrederickM]

I can't read the episode title without thinking of Jerry Seinfeld Live! At The Agora being like "So WHaaAAAaaT's the deal with the Oracle of Delphi??"

[@juanjuri6127]

The pythia going into a pneuma-induced seizure but it's just a Kramer impression

[@RealBradMiller]

No prophecy for you!!! 🍲

[@ThatGreyGentleman]

Jerry: “So you got a prophecy?” George: “I GOT A PROPHECY, JERRY!”

[@ThatGreyGentleman]

@@juanjuri6127*Kramer pokes head in* THE GODS ARE SPEAKING TO ME *leaves immediately*

[@DelphiCampbellArtist]

my name is delphi and I really enjoyed this video. full of positive affirmations about how amazing Delphi is.

[@Userinterfaceexperience]

Hail Delphi 😂❤

[@lauragraham170]

It's amusing how often ancient sources are disbelieved, when it seems they are often trying to accurately document their experiences rather than deceive. Great video, Kaz!

[@paulakaye2108]

I truly appreciated your warning, “And don’t be asking Apollo any stupid questions.” I fell over laughing because for about ten years I worked as an “Advisor” with a huge company offering Psychic readings. We were tested not just in the interview but sporadically. I mention this because the absolutely strangest request to use my gift was to find a clients car keys! I wonder what Apollo would have replied to her! LoL

[@Enixon869]

"The objects of your desire lay forgotten in the last place you will look"

[@paulakaye2108]

@@Enixon869 ROFLMAO! 🤣

[@chables74]

“We get it Pythia, you vape”

[@GilTheDragon]

Is that a crown of parsley & wild lettuce? It, along with the gothic lamp give such delightful victorian vibes Pneuma, breath, vapor, can also mean soul; after all volcanic vapors tend not to smell nice. (Ethylene not withstanding) (the ethylene frenzy is not one i knew) The secular explanation i like the most is "she was a very well informed woman" theory. People came to delphi from all over. People talk, the pithia listens to agents of all factions wanting to go to war

[@GilTheDragon]

I think part of the resistance to the geological explanation is that it sorta reduces the oracle to just the physiological effect of the gas & ignores the role feelings have in expression Its like someone in the future trying to figure out how stadiums managed to generate ions from the phrase "the air was electric with anticipation" and them finding the wires that run the hvac & concluding that that's why the air was charged.

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

Your second, in particular really is thought-provoking. I always wonder, what parts of our history we will be misinterpreted. Since even though we have the internet come and things are easily recorded now, I'm sure some things will be lost. I particularly wonder, if something like memes is the only thing to survive, imagine if people think that we all were worshiping something? And it was just a meme 😂 I wonder if there was ever an ancient equivalent of a meme and we totally misinterpreted it.

[@dovemakes]

"Are you still with me? I know the geology stuff can be a little dense." Me: a geographer who hadn't even considered that it might have been for others lol

[@acecat2798]

Regardless of what was going on with Delphi specifically, I'm kind of wary of the approach to religious studies where we look for chemical answers for all experiences interpreted as divine. Do mind-altering substances sometimes play a role? Sure, absolutely! But the cultural and psychological basis for these experiences shouldn't be overlooked, especially when it comes to divine ecstasy and frenzy being achieved with no hallucinogens whatsoever-- speaking in tongues, ritual dance, just the strong perception that a divine experience might or will occur can do a lot to influence your altered perception. I feel like trying too hard to "solve" religion as a purely physical experience ends up as bad anthropology/archaeology/history. I appreciate this more multifaceted look.

[@ehlesdee]

I think it’s because the vapors were described in history that people are trying to figure them out. It’s also just a really cool image so we wish it was real. IMO it’s not the same as like trying to logic away spontaneous group dance or witch panics with ergot poisoning.

[@briannenurse4640]

I don't personally think that a chemical understanding of the forces at play is actually in any way opposed to the psychological and spiritual reality being experienced. They're just two facets of the same situation, and neither one fully encapsulates what's going on without the presence of the others.

[@wordforger]

Holy moly. That whole fault line discovery is awesome. I studied both geology and history in college, so it always makes me smile when I see the two disciplines align. After all, Geology is just a history of the earth on a longer scale.

[@OktaviaVon]

The handsome squidward Apollo..😂

[@wolfwatch9731]

still bitter about the fact that i was supposed to be able to visit delphi but didn't get to. a few years ago i was on a school-sponsored trip with my latin class and we were SUPPOSED to go to italy and greece, with the greece section of our trip including delphi, but for unexpected pandemic reasons greece was cancelled. because at that point we had already paid for X days, the travel agency added sicily onto our trip during the days that were meant for greece. i mean it was fine, we saw some really cool sites that we wouldn't have otherwise, but still disappointing because i was so hyped for delphi... one day...

[@marianatheschizoid5912]

Ah, that sucks. As somebody who did get to visit Greece the temple at Delphi, it’s a truly magical place; 100% worth it! I hope you get another opportunity to see it someday.

[@reaverkai]

Omg i envy schools that do that and people that can afford it (not in a malicious way), you are so lucky, i bet some great memories were made :B

[@NualaAhern-d5g]

Why whinge about not getting to delphi during a pandemic where people died

[@wolfwatch9731]

@@NualaAhern-d5g ??? idk if you've ever been outside and spoken to another human being before but its actually incredibly normal to be upset when something you were excited for fell through, including things that fell through due to corona. like i'm not saying i WANTED to go to delphi DURING a pandemic, im saying i wish the pandemic didn't happen so i COULD have gone to delphi.

[@OttoOctavius77]

​@@NualaAhern-d5gyou sound like someone i would punch in the face in high school

[@Mavisdundundunnnmanston]

Currently I can smell vapors coming up from the alleyway next to my apartment. The prophecy is I'm going to add to the vapors as I watch this video.

[@Destiny-ig2fs]

That's probably sewage

[@jackgammon1490]

I always appreciate the amount of research you do for your vids and even dressing up to further amplify the vibe from the subject matter. Love your stuff Kaz. Hope everything goes well for your friend ❤

[@giorgosmichael9142]

The hypothesis of Pythia's "highness" on weed is a missinterpration of Pythia's habit of inhaling the fumes of burning olive leaves and oleander which their hallucinogenic effects were probably known to the locals. Oleander was probably used to drown the bad smell of ethylene vapours. The ingredients are still used today as part of Easter Christian Orthodox church service.

[@nightfall3605]

I thought she specifically stated ethylene is known for its sweet odor? And I wonder if the use of burnt hallucinogens was added as the natural vapors reduced over centuries of geological change.

[@mellowfishie]

I'd only ever heard of the intoxicating vapor theory of how the Oracle worked - this was super fascinating! My childhood obsession with Greek mythology rose back over me like a comfortable, familiar blanket while watching this video 😊

[@sunnnnnflower]

hi kaz! i don’t usually leave comments on videos, but i gotta say, i love your channel so much! your videos are so creative and so well-researched, and the sheer amount of time you clearly dedicate to each of them is quite admirable! as a big history fan who enjoys listening to long history videos while i do chores, i feel like i really gotta thank you for your channel lmao. keep up the great work! one last thing, but also as a fellow enby i can only hope one day i’ll have as much style as you

[@shaym.1372]

So while weed is probably not the secret of Delphi, I do want to point out that specifically the Eleusinian Mysteries (wide-spread and well-known at the time secretive cult to Demeter and Persephone) is proof that the ancient Greeks were very capable of having a huge cult and still remaining incredibly tight-lipped about what actually goes on there.

[@Cinnamon_Cleric]

I absolutely love watching geology, paleontology, archaeology, and mythology videos so this particular essay feels like it was made in a lab specifically for me.

[@Anna-B]

This video is so useful! I tried finding out how the oracle and the temple worked, because I want to write something involving Greek mythology. But it’s actually way harder than I thought it’d be

[@julietfischer5056]

Lots of missing cultural context.

[@elizabethb4168]

Religion for Breakfast also has a really good video on the subject

[@victoriafolch-pi5824]

As a seer, I think I would probably cover Persephone, but she can be a very dense energy because of her underworld ties and in the ancient world, she was inherently tied to her mother and her husband in any worship of her (I would love to see your research on the Eleusinian Mysteries - I'm not how relevant it is to queer history though). Athena also sounds like a great idea. Also - you mentioned a Michael Scott as a source and I was like "Didn't know Steve Carrell's character had such a deep scholarly interest."

[@TheoTheTimeTravelingMagician]

Sorry lord of the rings characters as they were described in the books…. KAZ IS HERE AND ITS MORE IMPORTANT. Love all of your videos, Kaz. I’m so sorry that you and your friend and your friends family have to go through this horrible and difficult time. I know what it feels like, and it is absolutely devastating. I hope she gets well soon.

[@kezia8027]

"The temple was really 'popping off'" aaand subscribed lmao - perfect blend of intelligent commentary and humor! Nice work

[@aliceoles9765]

About the De Boer vapors hypothesis, I think it's important to mention that a 2006 study found no trace of the Kerna fault. I'm generally more compelled by Lehoux's rebuttal, simply because it is far-fetched to imagine a disposition where some ethylene vapors could have a sustained trance-inducing effect over the years, and because divination and the mania associated with it aren't systematically linked with drug-nduced states. So much seering, tongue-speaking, divine visions and trance-like state happens in contemporary religious and spiritual practices, without the use of psychoactives being necessary. I would think it is highly plausible that peculiar vapors emerged sometimes in ancient Delphi, but the cultural practice of the Delphi oracle was surely only retroactivlely attributed to them. Most importantly, the oracle was a major influence in hellenistic politics, regarding war, conquest, administration ... Altough I deeply enjoy the esoteric lore around the Pythia, I think any account of what actually happened during the divination process must take into account the political impact of the oracle and its interpretations.

[@noodlesauce2553]

Your costuming is FANTASTIC!! It’s always a good day when Kaz uploads ❤❤

[@Firegen1]

Thanks for this, Kaz. The oracle of Delphi was taught to us in my A Level (British upper school qualification) but we never got into much depth. Thinking of Katie at this difficult time. I'll donate.

[@MedicineMundy]

Apollo: The Sun is a Deadly Laser! Zeus: Not anymore. There's a Blanket.

[@purplexninjamom]

thank you :)

[@CliffSedge-nu5fv]

Ceres: Let's plant some grass.

[@boringzilla]

Literally went to Delphi today so this video could not have come at a better time. Since we arrived late we only got to see the archeological site and missed out on the opportunity to see the museum, so i appreciate this to help contextualize the site. Also leaving a recommendation for everyone who comes to Greece to see it, it's a lot more worth it when compared to the acropolis, the view itself is simply stunning, it really takes your breath away

[@eljanrimsa5843]

> it really takes your breath away that's the fumes

[@medievalsmithy]

WAKE UP BABE NEW KAZ ROWE VIDEO JUST DROPPED

[@elizabethmelillo2154]

I'm delighted to see another video of yours. I've been watching them at a rate of one a day, since I found your channel.

[@micahstone8589]

You’re a great educator because of your passion. I’m sorry for your friends situation.

[@Freakette]

Three cheers for this well researched and delightfully presented video! The site if Delphi itself is awe inspiring with the vista reaching, through two other peaks, a view of the sea far below and many miles away. This grandeur no doubt added to the already mythic atmosphere of the place. The second most important oracle of the Hellenic world was Didmya, located in modern Turkiye, and like most things associated with Apollo, was connected to a sacred spring.

[@thetaria]

36:11 "like most gay people, I think greek mythology is so interesting" THAT CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD SO MUCH? Why did you expose me like that /j

[@tianahorsey-daydreamer8962]

I've been partial to Artemis since I was a kid. Ive always been drawn to the moon and the woods. The art surrounding her. Everything. I'm actually planning an Artemis themed tattoo.

[@fijardim7]

Yeah, me too, but she is a bit too much sometimes😂. Do a lot of research on her myth and history beforehand doing the tattoo 😊

[@tianahorsey-daydreamer8962]

@@fijardim7 I grew up with an archaeologist, I know the myths very very well. I've been reading them since I was 10. Lol I understand that she is a complicated figure. And has made some questionable decisions.

[@MWTravesty]

It sounds like the difference between the Oracle of Delphi and random oracles busking on the streets was basically the difference between a small town fortune teller and John Edwards. Production value. Everything else was probably the same old party tricks.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

This subject always fascinated me. Thanks for covering it.

[@PokemonEnjoyer1]

man this video would have been SO helpful in my ancient history class last year, we spent an entire term analysing the ancient texts and modern studies on delphi. Would have been great to watch for an introduction and revising before exams

[@carolinecagle3266]

In my head canon, the time of the year when Dionysus covered for Apollo is when the earth was not warm enough to send up ethylene vapors. Is winter like that in Delphi?

[@sarahleony]

I’d say 50F would be an average high in the Delphi area during winter

[@marianatheschizoid5912]

I visited Greece during the winter season and I’d say it was about 7 or 8 C, in the afternoon it got a little warmer like 11 or 12. There was snow higher up in the mountains but not a lot. Idk if these temperatures affected the vapours tho.

[@nightfall3605]

Someone else mentioned oleander was burnt at some stage in the temple’s history and the plant was not available during the winter.

[@SparksArtandCosplay]

9:38 this made me laugh out loud cause I freaking love that song!

[@EmelieWaldken]

Would have loved to hear what Dionysus had to say. He was a traveller, an exotic deity, full of trance stuff and all. If I should become a sibyl I'd prolly go like you for Athena, although Hekate and Artemis would interest me too.

[@LunaChuu00]

Fun fact: If you didn’t realize, pythons 🐍 are actually named after the dragon/snake Apollo killed (the latin word came that from the greek original). Πύθων - python

[@meiguess6765]

okay but the outfit and makeup is STUNNING 💖

[@rileyfaelan]

Ethylene is also a common plant hormone. It's nowadays deliberately used to control maturation of commercial fruits such as bananas. This might possibly have been of some relevance to the Oracle.

[@intern_dana]

perfect timing! i just opened the app to find things to watch while i knit~ (also ive just gotten into hades and was working on a fan design for an oracle of delphi so this is ticking all my boxes lol)

[@AzrielEver]

I love this episode! If I can be speculative about this, I think there was probably a “minor” leak for most of the Oracle’s history that only gave short intense bursts once in a while but mostly nothing. This could match up with older accounts of the Oracle being more lucid. She only would have gotten an intense episode of “divine inspiration” once in a great while. This is probably only relevant bc if Plutarch is to be taken at his word, that period he was writing in either had a lot of intense bursts in an extended period or the leak got wider and let out more gas at once. It’d be really interesting if we can find out the geologic activity in the area to see if there was an earthquake or something just before he wrote his account Interesting note about Python, the fact that it means “rotting” in reference to an odor of decay really makes me think of volcanic vapors, specifically that sulphuric smell, and makes me wonder if the entire area wasn’t more volcanically active in the past. The story of a god battling a fiery draconic serpent who’s still rotting body can still be smelled today sounds AN AWFUL LOT like past volcanic eruption whose dead form still emits sulphuric vapors, especially if a survivor was seemingly spared by divine intervention when by all rights they should be deader than Sumer.

[@missvioletnightchild2515]

The Sapho tshirt is peak! ❤ Another excellent video. I went to Delphi in 1992 so it's fascinating to hear what developments have happened in the years since! And you managed to make geology interesting and easy to understand ❤

[@VenusMacabre]

That last question grabbed me by the metaphorical balls because I'm an actual Hellenic Pagan who worships 6 gods so far LMAO. I am an Aphrodite and Ares devotee though, so probably either of them. Hera has a very special place in my heart too.

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

Poor Hera, her husband did her so dirty...

[@itsjustnadia]

I'm a Hellenic polytheist too and I would probably be following Dionysus, he's always been something of a favorite of mine. 😅

[@VenusMacabre]

@@itsjustnadia He's one of the gods I worship too. ❤️

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

Hello, fellow Hellenic polytheists! (My patrons are Artemis, Athene, and Hermes...though Apollon's been showing up a lot lately too)

[@babyblue3717]

I'm hellenistic too! The two gods I worship the most are Artemis and, good for me, Apollo. I loved this video, I've been obsessed with the theories surrounding the pythia for years hehe

[@cthulhukc7six6six37]

I love the insight and thoroughly appreciate the effort poured into all the topics. Best to Kaz and this community keep learning and loving.

[@tomappavoo291]

Love the way you dissect the story and evaluate the claims without losing the fun!

[@thoughtsofelizabeth]

I love your kyton, kaz. The trim is fantastic. A kyton was the first garment i ever made. (Not being sarcastic. Recognizing the garment as a kyton just from the top made my night.)

[@Theupoy]

I always look forward to your videos, no matter how short or infrequent. Sorry to hear you've been going through it - sending warm thoughts and good vibes your way 😊

[@sf2132]

You are such a joy! Thank you for all of the effort that you put into your research and costumes! You are a treasure! Sending much love ❣️

[@SadhviJenn]

10:55 my mom got a laurel tree last year 😊 It’s definitely elevated my experience.

[@GabeNode21]

All the geology info you presented here was really interesting and very approachable for someone like me who knows nothing about it. Made me think you and Miniminuteman could collab on some really cool history/archeology stuff!

[@zo8139]

Just discovered your channel and I dont understand how you dont have millions of viewers! Ur videos are amazing and its great finding people who genuinely do decent research

[@Catarigue]

Yay! new video by Kaz!!

[@C4RYB34R]

Hello Kaz, Im Cass! Besides sharing a similar sounding name and having the same preference of lifestyle, I love history, any history. You have an excellent channel and I always look forward to watching your relaxing and educational content at night. Its very calming soothing and easy on my ears (and eyes If you don't mind my saying so :) and I learn something new. Thank you so much

[@sarahwatts7152]

Good to see Michael Scott has moved on from the paper industry and is contributing to the world

[@marymanic8958]

You did all this research and writing AND you made and pulled off such a fantastic costume? You and your content is a gift and I’m so glad I found your wonderful videos

[@lorenaml]

THANK U KAZ, your videos bring me such joy!!!! I love how much detail and care you put in your research, its always so cool!!!!! You are the best, i hope you have a great week 😊

[@HeyLizardLeigh]

As an aquarium-haver, I do love the idea of fish movements simply being too opaque and unknowable

[@razy3227]

To some degree we have to accept that emotional spiritual experience can explain most forms of mysticism. Often Hellenic religion is looked at as either a prestine non mystical belief somehow being a precursor to Christianity or as being superstitious nonsense. Both rob Hellenism of its unique religious quality. I am not a scientist so I am not sure how much of the gasses are needed to affect a subject but either way, I think even if it was just a nonhalusinigenic vapor people could still have an emotional religious experience with it and that doesn't rob Hellenic Religion of its substance. They felt a connection with the god, and as modern people looking back we should respect their religion as a real emotional experience regardless of explanation. I am biased as I'm myself am a Hellenic pagan and believe that she was indeed an oracle of Apollo. Often in academia and by common people the religion is seen as a joke even historically. Many lay people see Hellenic paganism as believing in Marvel superheroes or in basically devil worship. And some academics tend to see it as primitive pre-scientific people trying to explain the world without scientific truth. But to look at any religion either of these ways is robbing the religion of it's depth and meaning. Religion is a system of interpreting meaning from things and ancient people found meaning from the physical world around them. As the gods made up the world, the world was their bible. And so it's not surprising that they would find these vapors and this site meaningful, as do I.

[@kezia8027]

I'm Agnostic, raised christian/athiest - and honestly helenic and pagan religions seem exactly as reasonable as "modern day" religions like christianity or hinduism. Even in non theistic spiritual/religious practises such as those who practice the occult and wiccan traditions - hell even to an extent fortune tellers and tarot readers all to an extent perform the same role for different people. Helping them to make sense of a world that is inherently confusing and help them to make decisions around navigating that world, through various lenses. With the rise of Atheism and non-theism over the last few decades, we too have seen a rise in non-theistic spiritual practices (again predominantly occult/wiccan) which can still provide a spiritual support to people. If a god were to speak through a medium who is to say that it wouldn't have been through the natural scientific means we are aware of now? Either the smoke or similar rituals did actually help commune with the gods, in which case their purpose is self evident, or they aided in the ritual of the spiritual ceremony which itself also plays a role in the human psyche, well-being and understanding of the world at large. At the very least, whether someone believes these oracles were communing with deities or not, they without a doubt provided a hugely influential service to their communities and the world at large and did without a doubt alter the courses of peoples lives. Whether you believe this was ordained or orchestrated by a deity is up to individual interpretation, but regardless of the root cause, the impact is undeniable.

[@fraktaalimuoto]

You said it well. I have practiced the occult for many years. The emotional experience of rituals and such should not be underestimated. However, it still seems to be a subject that is avoided by large body of academicians.

[@babyblue3717]

I'm also a hellenistic pagan. Thank you so much for this comment. It's always humiliating and infuriating to see the way people disregard hellenism, both from the Christian and from the scientific perspectives.

[@CarversFieldbook]

It's hard to express how exciting it is when we get a new Kaz video. And as always the fit goes hard

[@JeraWizard]

Thank you for releasing a video today, it's been a Terrible Week and this is such a good distraction

[@LivingVanCarysly]

19:27 idea? The cultural aspect of worrying out loud (speaking) “breathes life” to whatever is spoken about, as in “don’t speak it into existence” and when TRYING for a desired result, saying it out loud (saying it out of faith) “breathes life” into the idea… the words are heard and manifested. Like praying or casting a spell. Think of cultures where an elder scolds “don’t even speak it”. Your brain is impressive.

[@jamest2401]

Fun fact: Did you know, that originally Dr. Pepper was considered as medicinal? It was either used in medicine tonic cocktail, to be drank either hot or cold; or was used in itself to reduce nausea, indigestion and bloating. Dr. Pepper was also considered an effective cough suppressant, due to its natural ability to thin mucus, so maybe that’s what’s working for you while filming this video. Personally, I have found it to be just what the doctor ordered (figuratively, for I’m sure my doctor would actually prefer me to drink water) to quench some unholy thirst in the heat of summer.

[@EmptyFeet]

this has been on my mind this week! a fortuitously timed video

[@kaloarepo288]

The word "python" comes from the Greek word that means "to smell and be putrid" -this is related to the myth of the sun God Apollo killing the primeval serpent or dragon of Chaos and its putrefying corpse causes the odor that comes up through the ground at Delphi -the priestesses were known as pythonesses.The Italian word 'puzza" is also related to this word.

[@eyjayy]

youre so good at presenting things as rly understandable despite a lot of complexity! this was a great watch

[@alisonyahna8041]

For thousands of years BEFORE the Temple was claimed by the powerful patriarchal priests of Apollo it was a Temple of the Earth Mother Gaia. It was the center, Navel or Womb of the earth and guarded by a great snake or dragon. Under the Greek ruins are Mycenean ruins and the earliest evidence shows us the site was used by Minoan priestesses, the earliest structure was a hut made of beeswax and vulture feathers. The priestesses were called 'Delphic bees' and the cliffs surrounding the site (a power place or vortex of Earth energy) were full of wild bee hives that caused it to hummmm. All the Apollo stuff is very very late and already well into the decline of the site, and we dont really know what happened before the 'his-story'.

[@bernbar]

I majored in Classical Civilizations and was lucky enough to go to Delphi! I didn't smell any vapors when I was there, but the gas theory was the one widely agreed upon in my class. People use religion as a way to explain the unknown. And I am sure there isn't an unlimited supply of ethanol gas there, so that would explain the low numbers recorded later on. Maybe 2,000+ years ago it was still very strong? As always, your videos are amazing and so well researched, and I love seeing the outfits you wear along with your personal takes on these topics.

[@julietfischer5056]

They may have used a variety of methods to induce the necessary states. A millennium is a long time.

[@bernbar]

Oh, for sure. Like how a lot of Native Americans smoked Mugwort for rituals and that is known to give hallucinations.@@julietfischer5056

[@bernbar]

@@xunqianbaidu6917 do you mind sharing the studies that debunked the theory? I only found articles stating everything Kaz mentioned about the fault lines creating ethane and methane and that ethylene was found in the spring water, not in the air.

[@benjalucian1515]

@@xunqianbaidu6917 What bernbar said. The ethylene theory has not been debunked. No one said the gas was in the air. They found traces in the water and in the travertine stone around the water.

[@serenityphawx]

Impressive research and really well presented! Thank you!

[@lorenaml]

Well wishes to your friend, i hope she can get her treatment and heal

[@sabrinadavis8355]

Your BTS comment absolutely sent me 😂 and your thumbnail just screams "I'm so done and yet I persist." Love your work!

[@carolinecagle3266]

Such an enjoyable listen. Give us geology!! Give us whatever you like!

[@emily-grace6246]

I was LOCKED IN for the geology portion, so funny when you were like “are you with me? I know this is dense” I was like “give it to me, mother”

[@tenebrousoul9368]

Kaz, would you consider covering Cassandra/Kassandra from greek mythology? I'd love to hear your take.

[@TinyEpics]

Love your channel! So happy to have found it. Subscribed. ❤

[@SadhviJenn]

12:34 ::lights a joint:: I can handle the vapors. 😂

[@just_a_hampa]

Dionysus ahh moment.

[@ArchivistEmoceans]

I just found your channel last night and I’m loving it. I would LOVE listening to you talking about the Maenads.

[@BrianLamar-es3my]

You should do a video on Aleister Crowley he's is a very interesting subject

[@Arcane_Archer]

Yesss I would love this!

[@flannelsarah4992]

this was so fascinating, i didn't really know about any of this! I also love your outfit, the pearls in your hair and your gold earrings especially are beautiful!

[@bricksloth6920]

Okay now I'm wondering why it was okay to do divination with birbs but not with fish. I always thought they had similar movements in groups. 🤔 And I've been woolgathering instead of paying attention. Now I have to rewind.

[@liareneemiller7242]

my favorite video i've seen in a while, was taking my break from piano and got a lesson in history/mythology