Pseudos is a common theme in archaic literature which ranges from simple misstatements to complex fabrications. It is displayed in the relationships between both gods and humans as they strive to ascend over one another through lies and prevarications. What is intriguing about deception in archaic literature is not its prevalence, but instead how it is condoned and used in a tactful way. While societal norms typically praise truth and shun fiction, archaic literature portrays deception as a special trait that only the worthy possess. Therefore, those that are fooled are ultimately depicted as less worthy and less intelligent than their conniving counterparts. Deception is characterized in archaic literature in many ways such as blatant falsehoods,
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Analyzing the messages given by oracles helps to explain how this is possible. In archaic literature, the reader is given instances where an oracle will deliver a message to someone in search of an answer. However, the answers given to these seekers are for the intelligent listener and hold two messages, one which is truthful and accessible to the intelligent listener, and one which is misleading and designed to deceive the ignorant. The idea here is that only those worthy of the truth will be able to distinguish it from the lie. In the instance of Croesus, the oracle tells the truth of an empire being destroyed, but the interpretation of the answer is false because Croesus is not deserving of the truth. He is then deceived by his own ignorance and reaps the consequence of losing his own empire as a result.
Archaic literature is based around lies and deception with which a variety of characters capitalize on for their own self gain. Contradicting popular belief however, it is portrayed as a good thing that should be coveted and condoned instead of reprimanded against. The art of deception is something that only the most powerful gods and heroes are able to yield and utilize against their enemies in order to gain power and
Analyzing the messages given by oracles helps to explain how this is possible. In archaic literature, the reader is given instances where an oracle will deliver a message to someone in search of an answer. However, the answers given to these seekers are for the intelligent listener and hold two messages, one which is truthful and accessible to the intelligent listener, and one which is misleading and designed to deceive the ignorant. The idea here is that only those worthy of the truth will be able to distinguish it from the lie. In the instance of Croesus, the oracle tells the truth of an empire being destroyed, but the interpretation of the answer is false because Croesus is not deserving of the truth. He is then deceived by his own ignorance and reaps the consequence of losing his own empire as a result.
Archaic literature is based around lies and deception with which a variety of characters capitalize on for their own self gain. Contradicting popular belief however, it is portrayed as a good thing that should be coveted and condoned instead of reprimanded against. The art of deception is something that only the most powerful gods and heroes are able to yield and utilize against their enemies in order to gain power and