Sometimes we have to wonder why anybody went to see the priestesses of the Oracle of Delphi. Sure, we're all curious about our futures. But if you can't change them, what's the point in knowing them, right? Both Oedipus and his dad, Laius, go through this as they try to avoid the prophecies laid out for them at the Oracle.

We should note the Oracle of Delphi was a bona fide historical place, where everybody from kings to commoners went for centuries to get advice. At any given time, there was one young priestess of Apollo's called the Pythia, who hung out in a room full of volcanic fumes spouting prophecies. Click here for a Shmoop close-up on this mysterious place and its priestesses.