Prophecy plays a crucial role in shaping the actions within mythology by providing foresight and guiding characters along their destinies. Often delivered by oracles or divine beings, prophecies create tension as characters attempt to fulfill or avoid their foretold fates. They underscore themes of destiny, free will, and the struggle between human action and divine will. Myths like that of Oedipus illustrate the profound impact of prophecy on individual lives, leading to inevitable conclusions that provoke reflection on the nature of fate and choice within mythological narratives.