Press.Ĭollection of biographies of Greek poets see chapter on Pindar. Leipzig: Teubner.Ĭontains the text of the biographies of Pindar from Byzantine manuscripts. The Greek text and evolving English translation are available online.ĭrachmann, A. There is also a brief biography in Suidas Lexicon ( Adler 1928–1938, vol. The biographies from the Byzantine manuscripts may be found in Drachmann 1903. He was commissioned by patrons all over the Greek world, and he appears to have traveled to many of the places that he celebrates. Most of what we know about his life comes from his works: his talent was recognized by the time he was twenty, when he was invited to write for a young victor in Thessaly ( Pythian Ode 10, 498 BCE) he died sometime after 446 BCE, the date of the victory celebrated in his Pythian Ode 8, the last of his poems that can be securely dated. The ancient lives preserve improbable stories about his childhood and conflicting testimony about the names of his parents and other members of his family ( Lefkowitz 1981, pp.

Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.Pindar was born in Thebes in Boeotia, probably in 518 BCE. Verity's lucid translations are complemented by insights into competition, myth, and meaning. The Odes contain versions of some of the best known Greek myths and are also a valuable source for Greek religion and ethics. 518-428 BC) composed victory odes for winners in the ancient Games, including the Olympics. Anthony Verity's lucid translations are complemented by an introduction and notes that provide insight into competition, myth, and meaning. Pindar's startling use of language - striking metaphors, bold syntax, enigmatic expressions - makes reading his poetry a uniquely rewarding experience. The Odes contain versions of some of the best known Greek myths, such as Jason and the Argonauts, and Perseus and Medusa, and are a valuable source for Greek religion and ethics.

Pindar praises the victor by comparing him to mythical heroes and the gods, but also reminds the athlete of his human limitations. He celebrated the victories of athletes competing in foot races, horse races, boxing, wrestling, all-in fighting and the pentathlon, and his Odes are fascinating not only for their poetic qualities, but for what they tell us about the Games. 'we can speak of no greater contest than Olympia' The Greek poet Pindar (c.

Pindar the complete odes