Tiresias

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A blind prophet from Greek mythology known for his wisdom and foresight, often consulted by gods and mortals alike
2. A figure from ancient tales who, despite being sightless, possesses the ability to see into the future and provide guidance
3. A legendary seer in literature who reveals truths about human existence and the divine, despite lacking physical sight

Etymology: Tiresias is the blind Theban seer of Greek myth, who appears in the Odyssey and the Oedipus plays and is said to have lived as both a man and a woman. The English name is simply the Ancient Greek Τειρεσίας (Teiresías) carried over directly, so the figure's name reached English without any change of meaning or form beyond spelling. Writers in English have used it as a byword for an old, sightless prophet whose counsel is trusted because it comes from beyond ordinary sight.

Synonyms: seer, prophet, oracle