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What would you do if you had the ability to predict the future? It is not enough to say that you would play the lottery and buy shares in large companies. Predicting the future is one of humanity’s greatest pursuits. Driven by curiosity and interest, human beings would give anything to know what lies ahead.
The Classical Seer
Nostradamus, born Michel de Nostredame in 1503, was a French physician, astrologer, and prophet, known for his enigmatic predictions published in Les Prophéties (1555). He predicted historical events, such as the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon, which have generated various interpretations over the centuries. Nostradamus was a man of science, studied medicine and worked during plague epidemics. His popularity persists, in predictions and mysticism, with books and documentaries about his legacy.
Power and Curse in Greek Mythology
Cassandra
Cassandra is the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. Apollo, god of light, music, and poetry, gave her the gift of prophecy, but when his love for her was rejected, Apollo punished her with a curse: no one would believe her visions anymore. This punishment became her torment, because, despite predicting tragedies such as the fall of Troy and the death of her family, her warnings were ignored.
After the destruction of Troy, Agamemnon takes Cassandra to Mycenae, where she predicts the murder of both by Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife. When her warnings were again ignored, Clytemnestra murdered her and Agamemnon. Cassandra became a symbol of “unknown truth” or the impotence of those who know their destiny but are not taken seriously. Her legend exposes themes such as destiny, truth, and the treatment of female voices in culture. In psychology, the “Cassandra complex” expresses this frustration.
Tiresias
Tiresias, the blind prophet of Thebes, known for his clairvoyance and advice to kings and heroes. One legend tells that when he separated two snakes in intercourse and kicked the female, he was transformed into a woman, returning to the male gender seven years later when he found the same snakes and kicked the male, which gave him a unique understanding of both sexes. In another story, when he supported Zeus in a discussion about sexual pleasure, Hera blinded him, but Zeus rewarded him with the gift of prophecy.
In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, he reveals that Oedipus is the murderer of Laius, and this triggers a tragedy. In Antigone, also by Sophocles, he warns Creon that he offends the gods by leaving Polynices unburied. Creon ignores the warning and suffers the consequences. In Homer's Odyssey, Ulysses consults Tiresias in the underworld and the prophet foresees difficulties upon his return and warns of the danger of Helios' oxen.
Irish and British Mythologies
Fionn Mac Cumhaill
Fionn Mac Cumhaill is a central hero in Irish mythology and leader of the Fianna, a group of Celtic warriors. Son of Cumhall and Muirne, he has been known for his bravery and adventures since his youth. One of his most famous tales involves the Porridge of Knowledge, which gave him infinite wisdom when he accidentally burned his thumb while cooking a magical fish. Fionn defends Ireland against invaders and mythical creatures and has adventures with allies such as Diarmuid O'Dyna and Oisin, as well as facing the fairy Gráinne. His stories highlight courage, loyalty, and wisdom.
Merlin
Merlin is a legendary figure in British mythology and was an advisor and wizard to King Arthur. His origins are mysterious, with legends describing him as the son of a demon or a princess, endowed with magical and prophetic powers. Influenced by Celtic traditions and authors such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Thomas Malory, Merlin is a wise counselor who guides Arthur in fundamental decisions, helping to create the Round Table, a symbol of equality among knights.
As an expert magician, Merlin uses his vast knowledge of magic and alchemy to protect Camelot. Also, a prophet, he foresees events such as the fall of Camelot and Arthur's fate. In some legends, he is in love with Guinevere, and in others, he is imprisoned by the Lady of the Lake, Viviane.
Seer Goddesses in Norse Mythology
The goddesses Urðr, Verðandi and Skuld
The goddesses Urðr, Verðandi and Skuld are three seers in Norse mythology. They weave the destinies of gods and humans. They live next to Yggdrasil, the world tree, by the well of Urðr. Each represents a dimension of time:
Urðr – symbolizes the past, what has already been and influences the present; Verðandi – represents the present, the “becoming,” or the ever-changing flow of events, and Skuld – refers to the future, what is yet to come.
The Norns, feared and respected, are seen as impartial and inevitable, intervening in destinies by weaving together major events and the length of a life. They reinforce the Norse belief in the inevitability of fate and the natural course of life.
Biblical Prophecies
Joseph
Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, was his father's favorite, and this generated jealousy among his brothers. He received a colorful robe from Jacob and had prophetic dreams in which his brothers bowed down to him. Driven by jealousy, the brothers sold Joseph as a slave to Ishmaelite merchants, who took him to Egypt. There, Potiphar bought him, an official of the pharaoh, but ended up imprisoned after a false accusation from Potiphar's wife.
In prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two of the pharaoh's servants, predicting that the cupbearer would be restored, and the baker would be executed. Years later, the pharaoh had dreams that no one could explain; reminded by the cupbearer, Joseph was called and interpreted the dreams as seven years of plenty followed by seven of famine.
He suggested storing food during the time of plenty to be used during the famine. Impressed, the pharaoh appointed him governor of Egypt. During the famine, his brothers went to Egypt in search of food. Upon revealing himself, Joseph forgave them and brought his family to live in safety in Egypt.
Prophecies in World Literature
A Cartomante
A Cartomante (The Fortune Teller), by Machado de Assis, has as its themes destiny, jealousy, and the fragility of human relationships. The plot involves Rita, a woman married to Vilela and involved with Camilo, her lover. Worried about Camilo's fidelity, Rita consults a fortune teller who warns her about the risks of her relationship.
With his characteristic irony, Machado de Assis uses this search for control over destiny to expose the characters' vulnerability. A Cartomante symbolizes both the need for security and the acceptance of life's uncertainty. In the tragic ending, the story reveals the choices and luck that govern life, in addition to presenting a critique of 19th century morality in a timeless narrative about love and destiny.
A Hora da Estrela
In A Hora da Estrela (The Hour of the Star), by Clarice Lispector, themes such as alienation, loneliness and social marginalization appear. The narrative is led by Rodrigo S. M., a writer who tells the story of Macabéa, a poor and naive young woman from the Northeast who works as a typist and lives in Rio de Janeiro. Unaware of her own poverty, Macabéa lives in a state of passivity and insignificance.
Rodrigo, the narrator, tries to understand Macabéa while projecting his existential frustrations about what it means to be human. After being rejected by her rude boyfriend, Olímpico, Macabéa seeks out a fortune teller who predicts a happy future for her. However, the tragic outcome makes fun of this prediction.
Harry Potter
In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, predictions of the future are central to the plot, especially Sybill Trelawney's: "the one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord is born at the end of July." This prophecy connects Harry and Voldemort, raising questions about free will and the influence of knowledge on the future.
Trelawney, the Divination teacher, demonstrates the ambiguity of predictions, some being vague and others deeply impactful. Harry faces dilemmas about his role in the fight against Voldemort. The story emphasizes that, although prophecies exist, personal decisions are what shape destiny. The paradox of knowledge of the future demonstrates how trying to avoid destiny can make it come true.
The Lord of the Rings
Frodo Baggins, a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is a hobbit from the Shire, heir to the “One Ring,” an evil artifact created by Sauron. With great courage and a sense of responsibility, he embarks on a quest to destroy it at Mount Doom, facing dangers and the corrupting allure of the Ring. Accompanied by Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf and Aragorn, Frodo symbolizes bravery and sacrifice. His friendship with Sam reinforces the power of personal connections.
Who Was Mãe Dináh?
Mãe Dináh (Mother Dinah), whose real name was Dinah Malkin, was a Brazilian fortune teller and media personality famous for her predictions and appearances on TV shows in the 1990s. With her charismatic and outgoing style, she captivated audiences on talk shows, where she offered tarot readings and predictions about celebrities and future events.
Considered an icon of mysticism in Brazil, Mother Dináh attracted both admirers and critics. Her fame lasted for years, leaving a legacy in the Brazilian esoteric scene until her death in 2018.
Finally, I predict that this article will appeal to curious people, mystery lovers, esotericisms or simply those who enjoy mythology, film series, literature, and well-told stories. Will it? I do not know, the future belong to God, or not?
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