# XIV For Asopichus of Orchomenus explained — Victory Odes

> Chapter companion for Victory Odes by Pindar.

## What happens

The poet invokes the Graces (Euphrosyne, Aglaia, Thalia) who dwell in Orchomenus, praising them as the source of all pleasure, wisdom, beauty, and fame. He celebrates Asopichus's victory in the boys' short foot-race at Olympia, calling on Echo to carry the news to the victor's father Kleodamus in the underworld.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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