Pindar Pythian I

Abstract

This article concerns the ancient Greek lyric poet Pindar (approximately 518 to 438 B.C.), specifically his first Pythian Ode, and my primary purpose is to supply a new translation of the poem (together with resume and running commentary for illumination and elaboration), thereby introducing Pindar, the nature of his composition and certain features of his style to the non-specialist. In my translation, which is based on the Greek text of Snell & Maehler (1984), I aim above all at accuracy, purity and clarity, and I try to convey to the reader a real idea of the feel and texture of the poem by means of a version which is faithful to the spirit and not just the letter of the Greek. In the essay I provide a résumé, explain the background to the piece, discuss its implications and focus, and treat its major poetic features, such as diction, metre, sound, imagery and structure.