An Oracle was a servant of the Powers That Be. A pair of Oracles — male and female — had the task of guiding the warriors of good, communicating them the will and actions of the Powers That Be, though they did so in exchange for a tribute.[1]
History[]
- “All right, all right... Maybe we could try the Oracles. But they turn you into a toad, don't say I didn't warn you.”
- ―Allen Francis Doyle[src]
Angel first encountered the pair of Oracles after his battle with a Mohra demon. The regenerative power of the demon's blood cured Angel of his vampirism and turned him human. With Doyle's help and his watch as a gift, Angel consulted the Oracles for advice on the matter. At first, they considered him a lower being and showed little respect. The female Oracle changed her perception of him when Angel asked them to reverse time and prevent his becoming human so he could continue being a Champion for the Powers That Be, giving up what he had wanted in the process.[1]
Angel next encountered the Oracles when he asked them to reverse time again and bring Doyle back to life after he had sacrificed himself against the Scourge. They refused this request, however, as they knew someone else would become Angel's link to the Powers That Be.[2]
The next time Angel needed help from the Oracles, he had noticed a symbol on Cordelia's hand. He headed to the Oracles only to find them slain; however, the spirit of the female Oracle told Angel the mark belonged to Vocah, the demon who had killed them, as well as telling him how to save Cordy — she was in great danger, having permanent visions which had put her in a hospital. Only the Words of Anatole, written in the Scroll of Aberjian, could remove Vocah's mark and save Cordelia.[3]
After the Oracle's deaths, the Conduit remained as another channels for Angel to communicate with the Powers That Be.[4]
Realm[]
- “I come before the Oracles for guidance and direction. I beseech access to the knowing ones.”
- ―Supplication to access the Oracles[src]
The Oracles dwelled in the Netherworld of Eternal Watching, a dimension accessible only through a gateway under a post office in Los Angeles. The gateway opened beneath a stone arc marked with the words, "Gateway for Lost Souls," written in Greek.[1]
The opening of the portal involved throwing sacred dust into a small pyre while reciting a supplication.[1][3] Under normal circumstances, only a warrior of good with a pure heart could enter their realm — even a messenger such as Doyle working for the Powers was not allowed to enter.[1] In one instance, however, Vocah was able to breach it.[3]
Powers[]
- “We swallow this day, as though it never happened. Twenty-four hours from the moment the demon first attacked you, we take it back.”
- ―Sister Oracle[src]
The Oracles had the ability to sense the future by consulting "the auguries," as well as creating temporal folds, which allowed them to send Angel back in time to prevent his transformation into human. They were also telekinetic and, according to certain rumors, they were prone to punish those who annoyed them by transforming them into animals, such as frogs.[1]
Despite being powerful and ageless, the Oracles were not immune to mortal wounds, as Vocah was capable of killing them by stabbing them with his scythe.[3]
Appearances[]
- "I Will Remember You"
- "Hero" (Only mentioned)
- "Parting Gifts"
- "To Shanshu in L.A."
- "Ground State" (Only mentioned)