Victory Odes · Chapter
V For Psaumis of Camarina explained
Pindar celebrates Psaumis of Camarina for his victory in the mule-chariot race, praising his dedication to his city and its gods, and reflecting on the balance of effort and risk in achieving noble success.
What happens
Pindar celebrates Psaumis of Camarina for his victory in the mule-chariot race, praising his dedication to his city and its gods, and reflecting on the balance of effort and risk in achieving noble success.
Themes in this chapter
The Transience of Human Life
The poem advises contentment with one's blessings and warns against aspiring to godhead, reflecting on mortal limits.
Moderation and Measure
Pindar emphasizes the balance of labor and cost with noble achievement, and the wisdom in being content with one's lot.
Characters to notice
- Psaumis
Victorious in the mule-chariot race, honored for bringing glory to Camarina.
- Zeus
Invoked as the cloud-hidden Savior throned on the Kronian hill-crest.
- Pelops
Mentioned as part of Oenomaus' home and the origin of the victor's journey.
- Athene
Honored as Pallas Protectress of Cities in the victor's songs.
Key passages
“Labour and cost for all noble achievement in one must be blended: Veiled is the issue in risk; but success is for wisdom commended.”
Great deeds require both effort and expense; the outcome is uncertain, but wisdom earns success.
Pindar reflects on the necessity of risk and wisdom in achieving glory.
“If as a well-watered garden thy bliss be, and if thou desire not More, with thy wealth and thine honours content—unto godhead aspire not!”
If your happiness is like a well-watered garden and you do not seek more, be content with your wealth and honors—do not aim to become a god.
A warning against excessive ambition and a call to accept mortal limits.