Pythian
/ˈpɪθ.i.ən/noun
Relating to Pytho, the ancient name for Delphi, especially its oracle, Apollo, or the Pythian Games.
Did you know?The Pythian Games at Delphi were founded in mythic memory of Apollo’s defeat of Python, a serpent associated with the sacred oracle.
Etymological Timeline
Archaic Greek
Greek
Πυθώ (Pythō)
“The ancient name for Delphi, the sanctuary associated with Apollo’s oracle.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Πύθιος (Pythios)
“Of Pytho; an epithet of Apollo connected with Delphi and its oracle.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Πύθων (Pythōn)
“Python, the serpent said in myth to guard Delphi before Apollo killed it; its exact name-origin is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πυθία (Pythia)
“The title of the priestess who delivered Apollo’s oracle at Delphi.”
16th Century
English
Pythian
“Relating to Pytho, Delphi, Apollo, or the games held there.”
Modern English
English
Pythian
“Relating to the Pythian Games, the Delphic oracle, or Apollo in his Delphic aspect.”