"In ancient cultures, it is the gods who send signs. But signs must be interpreted, and only those who are inspired can receive and reliably interpret them. Only a few are inspired; they are called manteis, seers. The term mantis is related to the Indo-European root for thinking power (mental) and is related to mania, the delusion. This relationship is hardly coincidental, because as a rule the inspired person is in an enraptured state when s-he receives and proclaims signs. It was therefore necessary to have a seer who could recognize and interpret omens as such a bird's cry, a comet, a stumble, or the degree of willingness with which the sacrificial animal trots to the altar."

—Nzz. by Rebecca Lämmle