While I'm not sure how the stories may have been modified (if at all,
other then Epic poems to inspire patriotism or nationalism), but I do know
that Oracles, specificaly the Oracle at Delphi, was a woman who would
breath some fumes from the ground. She would go on a trip and mumble some
inchoerent things. Then 'priests' would 'decipher' what she had said (from
the gods) to the person asking a question. The priests were able to say
whatever was needed (I have heard it was done, know it was possible, but I
don't remember the proof of guilt on this one)
> many religions against eating various meat products. If an epidimic spread
> through the a specific regions animal population (pigs for example), it may be
> difficult to get people to understand that they cannot eat this meat, for they
> will get sick. Taking an established meme complex and adding to it is easier.
"The boogie man will get you if. . ."
"A white slaver will take you away if. . ."
"Santa won't bring anything if. . ."
and positive memonic devices which convey memes:
"Don't Drink and Drive"
"Cotton Kills" (backpacker one)
This is still used today.