Victory Odes · Chapter
XIII For Xenophon of Corinth explained
Pindar celebrates Xenophon of Corinth's unprecedented double victory in the foot-race and pentathlon at the Olympic Games of 464 BC.
What happens
Pindar celebrates Xenophon of Corinth's unprecedented double victory in the foot-race and pentathlon at the Olympic Games of 464 BC. He praises the house of Corinth for its hospitality, civic virtue, and numerous athletic triumphs. The ode recounts Corinth's mythological heritage, including the stories of Sisyphus, Medea, and Bellerophon, and catalogues the family's many victories at various Panhellenic games.
Themes in this chapter
Aristocratic Virtue and Heroism
The ode celebrates the heroism of Corinth's sons, both in myth (Bellerophon, Medea) and in athletic achievement (Xenophon's unprecedented victory).
The Power of Poetry and Immortal Fame
Pindar asserts his role as a truthful witness, immortalizing the victories of the house through song, and acknowledges the Muse's presence.
Moderation and Measure
The poet emphasizes that 'to each thing pertaineth measure meet' and the importance of knowing the fit time, reflecting the theme of moderation.
Fate and Divine Justice
The invocation of Zeus and the hope for future fortune, with the acknowledgment that 'with God lies the issue,' underscores divine oversight and fate.
Characters to notice
- Xenophon
Victor of the double victory in foot-race and pentathlon, unprecedented feat.
- Poseidon
Isthmian Poseidon, whose portals are fixed in Corinth.
- Medea
Dared defy her father, chose a bridegroom, and saved Argo and the Heroes.
- Bellerophon
Hero who tamed Pegasus with a bridle from Pallas Athene, slew Chimaera and Solymi.
- Pegasus
Winged steed tamed by Bellerophon, now in Zeus's stalls.
- Athene
Maid of the Dark Aegis who brought the golden bridle to Bellerophon.
- Zeus
Olympian Lord most high, invoked for blessing and fortune.
- Ares
War-god, whose hands shall weave the future of the house.
Key passages
“Now, while I laud a house that thrice can vaunt Olympian victory, gracious to the guest, To fellow-burghers courteous, I will chant With theirs the praise of Corinth heaven-blest.”
Pindar praises the house that has won three Olympic victories and is hospitable and courteous, and he will sing of Corinth as blessed by the gods.
Opening praise of the victor's family and city.
“For victor in the Contests Five is he And in the foot-race: so hath he attained Such glory multiplied of victory As mortal never yet before hath gained.”
Xenophon has won both the pentathlon and the foot-race, achieving a glory never before attained by any mortal.
Description of Xenophon's unprecedented double victory.
“But to each thing pertaineth measure meet, And best of all it is to know aright The fit time.”
Everything has its proper measure, and the best thing is to know the right time for action.
Expression of the theme of moderation and timing.
“He sprang on Pegasus’ back; in brazen mail Arrayed to play the play of swords he sped; And riding on that steed did he assail From the chill cloudland’s folds untenanted The Amazon host, the maids that bear the quiver; Fire-breath’d Chimaera slew and Solymi.”
Bellerophon mounted Pegasus in bronze armor, rode through the clouds, and attacked the Amazons, killed the fire-breathing Chimaera, and the Solymi.
Mythological account of Bellerophon's exploits.
