the priestess of Apollo at Delphi, by whom he delivered oracles. She was so called from Pythias, a name of that god, which is said to have been given him on account of his victory over the serpent Python.

The Pythia was at first required to be a young girl, but in latter times she was a woman of 50 years of age. The first and most famous Pythia was Phemonoe. Oracles were at first delivered by her in hexameter verse. All the pythias were to be pure virgins, and all of them delivered their oracles with great enthusiasm and violent agitations. See Oracle and Delphi.

PYTHIAN games, in Grecian antiquity, sports instituted near Delphos in honour of Apollo, on account of his slaying the serpent Python. See Apollo.—These games, at their first institution, were celebrated only once in nine years; but afterwards every fifth year, from the number of the Parnassian nymphs who came to congratulate Apollo, and to make him presents on his victory. The victor was crowned with garlands.