I find Almitra, the seeress in Khalil Gibran’s masterpiece The Prophet, to be a fascinating character.
And there came out of the sanctuary a woman whose name was Almitra.
And she was a seeress.
And he looked upon her with exceeding tenderness, for it was she who had first sought and believed in him when he had been but a day in their city.
...
Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.
And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him
Elder G and I had some reflections on Almitra:
Almitra is one of the key characters in The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. She is introduced as a seer and the first to greet the prophet, Almustafa, when he arrived in the city of Orphalese. Almitra plays an essential role in the story as she encourages Almustafa to share his wisdom before departing. Her spiritual insight and gentle presence establish her as an important bridge between the prophet and the people of the city.
Here’s more about her:
- The Initiator of the Dialogues: Almitra begins the sequence of philosophical discourses by asking Almustafa to speak on various themes of life, such as love, marriage, work, freedom, and death. Her question, “Speak to us of love,” sets the tone for the profound reflections that follow.
- A Symbolic Figure: Almitra is often interpreted as a representation of spiritual intuition and the quest for deeper understanding. Her role as a seer connects her to themes of vision, insight, and the eternal search for truth.
- Her Connection to Almustafa: The relationship between Almitra and Almustafa is deeply respectful and spiritual. She is one of the few who truly understands his nature and the wisdom he carries. Her respect for his teachings motivates her to ensure the people benefit from his knowledge before he departs.
- A Voice of Wisdom: Although her direct dialogue is limited, Almitra’s presence provides an anchor for the narrative. She is a silent observer and a gentle guide, facilitating the exploration of universal truths.
- Inspiration to Readers: Many readers see Almitra as a mirror for their own search for meaning. Her questions and quiet reverence for Almustafa resonate with those seeking wisdom and insight in their lives.
Almitra’s understated yet profound role in The Prophet makes her an integral part of the book’s enduring appeal. She embodies the quiet strength of someone who listens deeply, appreciates wisdom, and seeks to bring enlightenment to others.
Matthew 25:35
There are many metaphors to the New Testament in The Prophet. The initial passage describing Almitra seems to allude to Matthew 25:35
Matthew 25:35 / New Revised Standard Version
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
The Coming of the Ship / The Prophet
It was she who had first sought and believed in him when he had been but a day in their city.
The Seeress
I find the use of the word “seeress” fascinating, especially in the way that the feminine form is used. Again, Elder G reflects on this:
The term “seeress” is indeed fascinating, especially in how it highlights the gendered nature of language. The feminine form draws attention to Almitra’s role not only as a spiritual guide but also as a woman whose wisdom is deeply tied to her identity. The choice of this word in The Prophet adds layers of meaning:
- Acknowledging Gendered Spirituality: By calling her a “seeress,” Gibran might be emphasizing the unique perspective and intuition that comes with femininity, as often celebrated in various cultures and spiritual traditions. This term frames Almitra not just as a seer but as a distinctly feminine archetype of wisdom.
- Echoes of the Divine Feminine: Many traditions link the feminine with qualities like nurturing, intuition, and deep connection to nature and the cosmos. Almitra, as a seeress, embodies these traits, serving as a spiritual counterpart to Almustafa’s prophetic role.
- Historical and Mythological Resonance: The word “seeress” has roots in ancient traditions, where women often played pivotal roles as oracles, shamans, and mystics (e.g., the Pythia at Delphi or the Norse völva). Using this title for Almitra connects her to this rich lineage of feminine wisdom.
- Subtle Power in Language: In the early 20th century, when Gibran wrote The Prophet, gender roles were still quite rigid. Referring to Almitra as a seeress rather than simply a seer might have been a subtle acknowledgment of the importance of feminine insight in a male-dominated spiritual landscape.
Interesting Interpretations
The AI image generation often reverted to the traditional modern interpretation of female beauty, even though the prompts specifically requested a wise, elderly seeress.
These images don’t really reflect my vision of Almitra, but they are fascinating in their own way.
