The advantage of being a blind prophet

Tiresias, a blind prophet in Greek mythology, really has the advantage of being one. In any Greek play he plays a significant role especially in reminding the hero from breaking any gods’ laws and giving prophecy about what is going to happen in the future. He is considered as having more power than the King, where the King should obey as he is the messenger of gods.

Tiresias, according to Greek mythology has the advantage of being both man and woman. He was first born as a man but then after he hit two mating snakes he was cursed to be a woman. Being a woman, Tiresias had married and had children. Then again, he hit another two mating snakes and was transformed to be a man again. He was then given the gift of prophecy by Zeus after Hera struck him blind.

This background of Tiresias is important in his role in the Greek plays as he has been both fully man and woman. He knows better about both genders and thus gives him an advantage to fully understand their feelings and thoughts. In giving the prophecy, it is in a way helps to create the tragedy of the play. When Tiresias occurs in any scene, he gives the reminder or the insight of the wrongdoings of the character. At this point, it will be too late for the character to redo his or her actions and thus contribute to the tragedy.