Halitherses
Elderly Ithacan prophet who interpreted bird omens and supported Telemachus
The Legend of Halitherses
Halitherses was an aged seer in Ithaca, the son of Mastor, renowned for his ability to interpret the flight of birds. When Telemachus called an assembly to denounce the suitors' behaviour, two eagles appeared overhead and tore at each other's cheeks. Halitherses read this omen and publicly warned that Odysseus was near and that destruction awaited the suitors. Eurymachus dismissed him with contempt, telling the old man to go home and prophesy to his children. Halitherses remained loyal to the house of Odysseus throughout the long occupation, and his prophecy was vindicated when Odysseus returned and enacted his revenge.
Parents
Mastor
Symbols
Fun Fact
His omen of the two eagles fighting was dismissed with mockery, yet proved perfectly accurate
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Celebrated seer and Argonaut who could read the future in the flight of birds
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