Question

Why is it ironic that Teiresias is characterized as a “great seer”?

Answer 1

In Greek Mythology, Teiresias was a prophet and a clairvoyant.

Like other oracles, the way that Tiresias obtained his information changed from time to time. Sometimes he would receive visions; other times he would listen for the songs of birds, or even ask for a description of visions and pictures appearing within the smoke of burnt offerings and interpret them.

There are different stories about how he became blind. The most direct: He was blinded by the gods as a penalty for revealing their secrets.

In the end, the Great Seer is blind and that, "The Blind Great Seer" is the irony itself. The correct answer is:

because he is blind

Answer 2

Teiresias is a blind prophet. It was ironic in the story because even though he was blind he could see the future (Oedipus' future about what he will do in later in the book). I hope this helps!