What is the act of foretelling the future called?

The act of foretelling the future is called divination. This term encompasses various methods and practices used throughout history to gain insight into future events, often through supernatural means or rituals. Divination is a prominent theme in many literary works, including "Oedipus Rex," where prophecies drive the plot and foreshadow the tragic fate of the characters. In the context of the play, Oedipus's struggle against his foretold destiny illustrates the complexity of fate and free will, highlighting how divination can significantly influence a person's actions and life path.

The other options refer to different concepts entirely. Descant typically relates to a melody or an ornamental melody played or sung above a principal voice. Regicide is the act of killing a king, which is not relevant to the concept of foretelling. Lustration refers to a purification ritual, which also does not pertain to predicting the future.