Story Summary
Discover the tragic myth of Apollo and Cassandra. Gifted with prophecy but cursed to never be believed, Cassandra’s warnings of Troy’s doom fall on deaf ears.
Apollo, the god of light and prophecy, was captivated by the beauty of Cassandra, the princess of Troy. To win her heart, he promised her the divine gift of seeing the future. Cassandra accepted the gift, but once the power was hers, she rejected the god’s romantic advances. Infuriated, Apollo could not revoke a gift once given, so he twisted it into a curse. He breathed into her mouth, decreeing that while she would always speak the truth, no one would ever believe her. Cassandra spent the rest of her life in agony, foreseeing the bloody fall of Troy and the trickery of the Trojan Horse. She screamed warnings to her people, but they dismissed her as a madwoman. Her truth-telling became her prison, and she watched helplessly as every one of her horrifying visions came to pass, leading to the destruction of her city and family.
The Moral
Words are only as powerful as the trust behind them, and broken promises often carry a price far greater than the initial reward.
“I speak the truth, yet my words fall like autumn leaves upon stone.”
Fun Fact
The term 'Cassandra' is still used in modern politics and science to describe someone whose accurate predictions of disaster are ignored by the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Apollo and Cassandra?
The story warns that breaking promises to the divine carries dire consequences. It also illustrates the psychological torture of possessing truth that others refuse to acknowledge.
Why did Apollo curse Cassandra?
Apollo granted her the gift of prophecy in exchange for her love, but she rejected him after receiving the power. He cursed her so her truthful words would never be trusted.
What did Cassandra predict?
She most famously predicted the destruction of Troy and warned against the Trojan Horse. She also foretold the death of Agamemnon and her own tragic end.
How did Cassandra's curse affect the Trojan War?
Her curse ensured that the Trojans ignored every strategic warning she gave. Consequently, they brought the Greek's wooden horse inside their walls, leading to their total defeat.
What is 'Cassandra Syndrome'?
It is a modern psychological term describing a person whose valid warnings are ignored or dismissed. It captures the frustration of being right but unable to convince others.
Who was Cassandra's father?
Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. As a princess, her inability to save her kingdom despite knowing its fate was particularly heartrending.