Victory Odes · Chapter
IX For Epharmostus of Opus explained
Pindar celebrates Epharmostus of Opus for his wrestling victory in 468 BC, invoking the Muses and Zeus while praising the city of Opus, its mythical origins from Deucalion and Pyrrha, and the hero's athletic achievements across multiple gam
What happens
Pindar celebrates Epharmostus of Opus for his wrestling victory in 468 BC, invoking the Muses and Zeus while praising the city of Opus, its mythical origins from Deucalion and Pyrrha, and the hero's athletic achievements across multiple games. The ode also recounts the myth of Opus' founding by Zeus and Lokrus, and honors Patroclus and Achilles as exemplars of martial virtue.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Ancestry and Civic Pride
The ode emphasizes Opus' divine origins through Zeus and the stone-born race from Deucalion and Pyrrha, linking civic glory to mythic heritage.
Aristocratic Virtue and Heroism
Epharmostus' athletic prowess and the heroic examples of Patroclus and Achilles underscore the ideal of noble achievement.
The Power of Poetry and Immortal Fame
Pindar asserts that song grants lasting glory, comparing his praise to a swift steed or galley, and calls on the Muse to crown the victor.
Moderation and Measure
The poet warns against blaspheming the gods by recounting the battle of Heracles, advocating for measured speech and reverence.
Characters to notice
- Zeus
Invoked as the god who hurls lightning and is praised for his role in the founding of Opus.
- Pelops
Mentioned as the hero who won the land of Elis with Hippodameia.
- Heracles
Referenced in a mythological battle with Poseidon and Apollo, though the poet warns against blasphemy.
- Achilles
Mentioned as the son of Thetis who exhorted Patroclus in battle.
- Patroclus
Honored as the steadfast companion of Achilles who stood by him at Troy.
- Thetis
Mentioned as the mother of Achilles.
- Aias
Referenced as Oïlean Aias, whose shrine is made glorious by Epharmostus' victory.
Key passages
“Archilochus’ chant of the sweet voice singing The Olympian hymn of victory, With its threefold measure of triumph outringing, Sufficed to lead onward the revelry To the Hill of Kronos, as paced along Epharmostus amidst of his comrade-throng.”
The ancient victory chant of Archilochus, with its triple refrain, was enough to guide the celebratory procession to the Hill of Kronos as Epharmostus walked with his friends.
Pindar references the traditional hymn of Archilochus to set the scene for the victory celebration.
“The gifts that by Nature’s self be given Are ever the best; yet many there be That by learning of teachers have painfully striven To attain unto honour’s felicity.”
Natural talent is always best, but many people struggle through training to achieve honor and happiness.
Pindar contrasts innate ability with learned skill, favoring natural gifts.
“One path of endeavour, ye well may deem, Leads not all men unto fame. Ah, steep are poesy’s heights supreme; Yet, Muse, when thou crownest his name With thy guerdon of singing, with shout high-ringing Fearlessly then proclaim Of our champion, that Nature hath dowered him By the favour of Fate the divine, With deftness of hand, with litheness of limb, With valour’s light in his eyne.”
Not every effort leads to fame; poetry's heights are steep. But when the Muse crowns the victor with song, proclaim boldly that nature has gifted him with skill, agility, and courage by divine fate.
Pindar calls on the Muse to celebrate Epharmostus' natural gifts and victory.
