Manto- Greek FigureMortal"Prophetess of Claros"
Also known as: Mantō, Daphne, and Μαντώ
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Description
Manto watched the birds and read the sacrificial flames for her blind father Tiresias in Thebes. When the Epigoni sacked the city and Tiresias died on the road, the victors sent her to Delphi as an offering to Apollo. The god sent her east across the Aegean to found his oracle at Claros.
Mythology & Lore
Daughter of Tiresias
Manto led her father Tiresias through Thebes. She watched the birds and read the sacrificial flames, then told him what she saw. He turned it into prophecy for kings.
When the Epigoni conquered Thebes, Tiresias fled with the refugees but collapsed at the spring Tilphossa and died. Manto was taken captive. The victors dedicated the finest spoils to Apollo at Delphi, and Manto was among them.
The Oracle at Claros
From Delphi, Apollo sent Manto east across the Aegean to Claros, near Colophon, and commanded her to found his oracle. In Pausanias's account, Cretans under Rhacius had already settled the place, and Rhacius married her. Her son Mopsus inherited her prophetic gift and became the oracle's seer.
The Italian Manto
A separate tradition sends Manto west instead of east. In Virgil's telling, she wandered to Italy after Delphi and settled in the marshes of the Po valley. Her son Ocnus founded a city there and named it Mantua after his mother.