Bithia seemed wise in the ways of the world, but she was completely ignorant of what she brought upon herself. Commerce with the powers of darkness might gain her what she desired for the moment, but at what cost in the end?

Francine Rivers
About This Quote

The Greek goddess, Bithia, was the daughter of Poseidon and one of his many lovers. She was married to King Oenomaus of Pisa. Her husband was quite wealthy but she was not happy with what he had to offer her. One day, she decided that she would go to the oracle at Delphi to find out if she should marry him or find love elsewhere. When she reached the temple, the oracle told her that if she married Oenomaus, they would have many children but also suffer many losses.

If instead, she chose a lover, they would have no children but both their lives would be full of joy. When Bithia heard this second option, she laughed at it and asked the oracle what could possibly make life full of joy. The oracle responded by telling her that every time someone would ask her what she wanted in life, she would answer by saying “bread” which the oracle said would result in sorrow. The idea of happiness eventually occurring through misery is a recurring theme in Greek mythology.

The most famous example is the story of Sisyphus who was condemned for eternity to pushing a boulder up a hill only to have it roll back down again.

Source: A Voice In The Wind

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