What is sybilles?

Sybilles, also known as sybils or sibyls, were women in ancient Greek and Roman mythology who were believed to possess prophetic powers. They were often consulted by rulers, priests, and individuals seeking guidance or predictions about the future.

According to legend, there were numerous sybilles throughout history, each associated with a particular location or temple. The most famous of these was the Sybille of Cumae, who lived in a cave near Naples and was said to have guided the Roman poet Virgil during his writing of the Aeneid.

Sybilles were often depicted in art and literature as old women, dressed in robes and seated on thrones or in caves. They were known to speak in riddles and cryptic language, which was believed to require interpretation by trained priests or scholars.

Although the belief in sybilles declined with the rise of Christianity, their legacy can still be seen in popular culture today, such as in the Harry Potter series, where the character Sybill Trelawney is a fictitious sybil who teaches divination at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.