Sibyla

Sibyls were female figures in ancient Greek and Roman tradition believed to possess prophetic powers. These women were said to be inspired by a divine spirit, often Apollo, allowing them to foresee the future and deliver oracles. The term "sibyl" (Greek: σίβυλλα) is thought to be of uncertain etymology, possibly Anatolian origin.

Sibyls were not attached to a specific temple or cult but operated independently, traveling and offering their prophecies in response to inquiries. Their prophecies were often delivered in cryptic or ambiguous verse, requiring interpretation. While numerous sibyls were believed to exist throughout the ancient world, some became more famous than others.

The most well-known sibyls include:

• The Cumaean Sibyl: Resided near Cumae, Italy, and figures prominently in Virgil's Aeneid. She is said to have guided Aeneas to the underworld. Her prophecies were recorded in the Sibylline Books.

• The Delphic Sibyl: Associated with the oracle at Delphi, though distinct from the Pythia, who was the priestess presiding over the oracle.

• The Erythraean Sibyl: Named after Erythrae, a city in Ionia (present-day Turkey).

• The Libyan Sibyl: Located in ancient Libya.

• The Persian Sibyl: Associated with the Persian world.

The Sibylline Books were a collection of oracular utterances, written in Greek, which were consulted by the Roman Senate in times of crisis. Legend states that the Cumaean Sibyl offered nine books to Tarquin the Elder, the king of Rome. He refused the high price she demanded, so she burned three and offered the remaining six at the same price. He refused again, so she burned three more and again offered the remaining three at the same price. Tarquin, now concerned, consulted his augurs and bought the last three at the original price. These books were carefully guarded and consulted only on the authority of the Senate. The original books were destroyed in a fire in 83 BC. New collections were later compiled.

With the rise of Christianity, sibyls were often reinterpreted as pagan figures who had foretold the coming of Christ. This led to the incorporation of sibyls into Christian art and literature. Michelangelo's depiction of sibyls in the Sistine Chapel is a notable example. The Dies Irae, a medieval Latin hymn, also refers to the Sibyl testifying to the Day of Judgment.

The concept of the sibyl has continued to resonate throughout Western culture, appearing in various forms of art, literature, and philosophical discourse, often representing wisdom, prophecy, and the connection between the human and divine realms.