Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
"As a young virgin with disturbing psychic powers, Arieka was handed over to the service of the shrine by her parents. She has now spent sixty years as the very medium, the torn mouthpiece, of equivocal mantic utterances from the bronze tripod in the sanctuary beneath the temple. Over a lifetime at the mercy of god and priest and people she has watched the decay of Delphi's fortunes and its influence in the world. Her reflections on the mysteries of the oracle, which her own weird gifts have embodied, are matched by her feminine insight into the human frailties of the High Priest himself, a true Athenian, whose intriguing against the Romans brings about humiliation and disaster"--Publisher's description.
Is The Double Tongue appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This literary fantasy explores the life of a priestess at Delphi who reflects on her decades of service and manipulation by religious and political powers. Contains thematic elements of exploitation and loss of agency.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, mild sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include captivity, manipulation, and power imbalance (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Readers interested in ancient Greek mythology and introspective character studies will find this exploration of the Oracle at Delphi compelling.