# XII For Ergoteles of Himera explained — Victory Odes

> Chapter companion for Victory Odes by Pindar.

## What happens

Pindar invokes Fortune the Saver, daughter of Zeus, to watch over Himera, reflecting on the uncertainty of human fate and the unpredictability of life's fortunes. He praises Ergoteles, who was forced to flee his native Knossus due to political strife but found glory in exile by winning victories at Olympia, Isthmus, and Pytho, thereby honoring his adopted home of Himera.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Divine Justice

The poem emphasizes the unpredictability of human fate and the role of divine fortune in shaping outcomes, as seen in Ergoteles' exile turned to glory.

### The Transience of Human Life

Reflects on the fleeting nature of human hopes and the hidden future, contrasting with the lasting fame achieved through victory.

### The Power of Poetry and Immortal Fame

Pindar's ode itself grants Ergoteles enduring renown, transforming his personal story into a timeless example of triumph over adversity.

## Character check-ins

### Zeus

Invoked as the father of Fortune the Saver, the daughter of Zeus the Deliverer.

### The Muse

Implied as the source of poetic inspiration for the ode.

## Key lines

> Hear, O thou Daughter of Zeus the Deliverer, Fortune the Saver From peril! Keep watch and ward, I implore, Over Himera, burg of the far-stretching might; for ’tis by thy favour That ships be steered to their haven-shore Over the sea; and torrent-like wars, and council-decisions Be guided on land.

Pindar calls upon Fortune, daughter of Zeus, to protect Himera, acknowledging that she controls the safe arrival of ships, the course of wars, and the outcomes of political decisions.

_This invocation establishes the theme of divine influence over human affairs._

> But through all the years never any of men on the earth abiding Hath found sure tokens from God to reveal How he shall fare in the days to come, but in darkness hiding Are the future’s warnings of woe or weal.

No human has ever received clear signs from the gods about their future, which remains hidden and uncertain.

_Highlights the theme of fate and the unknowable nature of the future._

> O son of Philanor, verily even thy swift feet’s glory Had as dead leaves faded, unmarked, uncrowned, There by the hearth of thy fathers: thy name had been heard not in story; As a home-fighting cock hadst thou been unrenowned, Had contention in Knossus of burgher with burgher in conflict gory In the homeland not left thee no foot of ground.

Ergoteles, if not for the civil strife that forced you from Knossus, your athletic prowess would have gone unnoticed and uncelebrated, like a rooster fighting only at home.

_Pindar suggests that exile, though painful, was the catalyst for Ergoteles' lasting fame._

> But now at Olympia, Ergoteles, winning a victory-garland And at Isthmus, at Pytho, twain⁠—by these Thou exaltest to honour the steaming Baths of the Nymphs in a far land, On thine own lands dwelling in stormless peace.

Now, Ergoteles, by winning crowns at Olympia, Isthmus, and Pytho, you bring honor to the hot springs of Himera, your new home, where you live in peace.

_Celebrates the athlete's achievements and his integration into his adopted city._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_odes_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_odes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_odes_se/chapters