1. Metaphorical Symbolism: Prophecies in fantasy settings often use metaphorical language. Symbols like an enigmatic verse or obscure dream vision could hint at events that will shape the story. They may not reveal straightforward answers but point toward pivotal choices and impending challenges.
2. Dual Interpretation: Oracles' prophecies might be intentionally ambiguous, allowing for multiple meanings. Characters may interpret the prophecy in different ways, leading to conflicts or quests based on their unique perspectives.
3. Conditional Future: Prophecies can sometimes mention conditions that need to be fulfilled for their fulfillment. The characters' actions or choices might determine the ultimate outcome, allowing them to influence their destiny despite a seemingly fixed future.
4. Temporal Paradoxes: Time travel or alternate timelines may be interwoven with the prophecy, creating a tangled web of cause-and-effect relationships. The characters may grapple with the consequences of altering events that were supposedly destined to happen.
5. Identity and Destiny: The prophecy could delve into the identity or role of specific characters. It might hint at their hidden potential, a predetermined path, or the significance they hold in shaping the future.
6. Cosmic Purpose: The prophecy could suggest a larger cosmic purpose at play, transcending individual lives and connecting them to a greater universal design.
7. Personal Growth: While the prophecy may foretell external events, it could also speak to the personal journey of the characters involved. It might prompt them to question their motivations and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Remember, the context and specific details within the "Time-Tangled" book will shape the exact meaning and significance of the oracle's prophecy. Prophecies in fantasy stories often contribute to a sense of mystery, exploration, and the pursuit of unraveling the true nature of fate.