Teiresias (Prophet)
heroBlind Theban prophet who lived seven generations and was the only mortal to experience life as both man and woman.
The Myth
He lived as a woman for seven years — and when asked which sex enjoyed love more, his answer enraged Hera so much she blinded him. Teiresias stumbled upon two mating serpents on Mount Cyllene and struck them, transforming into a woman. Seven years later, she encountered the same scene, struck again, and became male. When Zeus and Hera argued about whether men or women enjoyed sex more, they asked Teiresias, the only person who knew both sides. He said women enjoyed it nine times more. Hera, furious at having her secret revealed, struck him blind. Zeus compensated him with prophetic sight and a lifespan of seven generations. He advised Cadmus, Oedipus, Creon, and even Odysseus in the Underworld.
Parents
Everes, Chariclo
Children
Symbols
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