Blog post #4

Ode 13

Ode is for the victor from Aigina in the athletic contest, known as pankration, held at Nemea, named Pytheas, son of Lampon. Pankration is one of the Greek Olympic Games founded as a “blend of boxing and wrestling but with scarcely any rules.” The lines that are missing usually contains information about victor’s current statues and the other victories he has gained by the love from Gods.

Ant. 2

It is a story of Perseus descendant, who is Herakles, killing the Nemean lion. Ode begins with his story for the comparison to illustrate the power of the victor. “flashing bronze” is a sword that was not able to defeat “unapproachable bulk” the Nemean lion. Herakles killed Nemean lion by the strength of himself by strangling. The athletic contest Pankration is known to be invented by Heracles from this story.

Ep. 2

“Beside the altar of Zeus….the flowers of glory-laden Victory have caused golden fame” shows that victors is favored by Zeus, “who rules supreme.” He then expresses how getting favored by God is difficult to achieve as it is done by “a few men throughout their lifetimes.” Also at the end of Ep.2 he expresses that life of a victor is finite as “dark clouds conceals,” the glory however, is infinite as it “remains renown undying.”

Str. 3

Emphasizing victor again “attained at Nemea” by Pytheas. Nemea is a place where Heracles defeated Nemean lion and therefore, showing the honor. Aigina, “daughter of the river god Asopos” is honored for leading Pytheas to victory.

Ant. 3

Giving great honor to the son of Kronos, Zeus, for bringing such a victory. Greek thought that all the victory has come from the favor and blessing of the Gods. We can tell how much fame the victory gained as his “might is hymned by many a high-vaunting girl…….with skipping feet.”

Ep. 3

Used as an transition for introducing Peleus and Achilles. “your son” refers to Aiakos, Endeis is a wife of Aiakos.

Str. 4

A story of Trojan war and the Heros of the time perio, Achilles and Ajax. It talks about the battle between Ajax and Hektor over the ships, while “Peleus’ son” Achilles let “the harsh anger in his breast.”

Ant. 4

Continuous story of Achilles how people of Troy would “never left the many towers of Ilion’s prodigious citadel” because they were afraid of Achilles. “violet-crowned Nereid’s son” refers to Achilles.

Ep. 4-Ep.5

As Trojan’s figured that Achilles is no longer on the battle, “the Trojans took heart and went on the offensive.” Trojan’s “with all speed they left Laomedon’s walls and raced out on the plain, bringing fierce battle with them.” Laomedon is the king of Troy, "at whose behest the city’s walls were built by Poseidon and Apollo,” and the fierce battle was attaking the Greek ships. Danaans are the “Greeks.”

Ep. 6

It is back to celebration and praise for the victor and his athletic trainer Menandros.

Ant. 7-Ep. 7

Is referring back to poet himself. He gives thanks to lampoon who “trusting to that myself and to the Muses with their crimson veil, newly plaited crown of song I show forth” refers to Bacchylides making this Ode. “my gift” also indicates the poem but the give actually isn’t the gift because he is being paid to write. 


References:
1. Greek Lyrics
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pankration
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemean_lion
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacchylides
5. http://chs.harvard.edu/wa/pageR?tn=ArticleWrapper&bdc=12&mn=5112
6. http://www.reference.com/browse/bacchylides