XIV For Asopichus of Orchomenus explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Power of Poetry and Immortal Fame

  The poet's song is the vehicle for immortalizing Asopichus's victory and conveying glory to his father in the underworld.

• Divine Ancestry and Civic Pride

  Orchomenus is celebrated as the land of the Minyans, and the Graces are invoked as protectors of the city.

• The Transience of Human Life

  The mention of Kleodamus in Persephone's dark-walled dwelling underscores the contrast between mortal death and the enduring fame won through victory.

Characters to notice

• The Muses

  Implied through the invocation of the Graces and the poetic chant.

• Apollo

  Mentioned as Pythian Apollo, beside whom the Graces have thrones.

• Zeus

  Referenced as the Olympian Sire, father of the Graces.

• Pindar

  The poet himself, speaking in first person as the singer of Asopichus's praise.

Key passages

• “O ye who your lot by Kephisus have found, Ye who dwell in the land where the swift horse races, O bright Orchomenus’ queens, ye Graces Who compass the ancient Minyans round With your guardian arms, O song-renowned, Now hearken my prayer!”

  You Graces who live by the Kephisus River in Orchomenus, land of swift horses, and who protect the ancient Minyans, hear my prayer.

  Invocation of the Graces as local deities of Orchomenus.

• “By your bounty all pleasure, All sweet things on menfolk descend in full measure, All wisdom, all beauty, all fame with its splendour.”

  Through your generosity, all joy, wisdom, beauty, and glory come to humanity.

  The Graces are credited as the source of all good things.

• “Fly, Echo, telling Unto old Kleodamus the tidings glorious That shall brighten Persephone’s dark-walled dwelling, How his son in the Vale far-famous in story Hath enwreathed his tresses with garlands of glory.”

  Go, Echo, and tell the dead Kleodamus the joyful news that his son has won a garland of glory at Olympia, brightening the dark halls of the underworld.

  The poet calls on Echo to carry the victory announcement to the victor's father in Hades.