DODONIDES, the priestesses who gave oracles in
the temple of Jupiter in Dodona. According to some
traditions the temple was originally inhabited by seven
daughters of Atlas, who nursed Bacchus. Their names
were Ambrosia, Eudora, Pasithoe, Pytho, Plexaure,
Coronis, Tythe or Tyche. In the latter ages the ora-
cles were always delivered by three old women; which
custom was first established when Jupiter enjoyed the
company of Dione, whom he permitted to receive di-
vine honour in his temple at Dodona. The Bœotians
were the only people of Greece who received their ora-
cles at Dodona from men, for reasons which Strabo,
l. 9. fully explains.