A literary study of Pindar's fourth and fifth Pythian odes
Abstract
Pythian 4 is Pindar's grandest ode. It was commissioned along
with Pythian 5 to celebrate the chariot victory at Delphi of Arcesilas IV of
Cyrene. The lengthy myth of Pythian 4 narrates the tale of Jason and the
Argonauts, long established in the Greek mythic tradition. Pindar's
treatment of this tradition to create his myth is examined. It reveals much
about his aims in writing the ode, in particular in the characterisation of
his hero, Jason, and his opponent, Pelias. The poem's structure and the
narrative technique employed in the myth are also examined. A
remarkable feature of Pythian 4 is its epic flavour. Analysis of Pindar's
production of this effect reveals many different devices which would
remind his audience of epic, not least a singular concentration of epic
language in the ode. The epilogue of Pythian 4 refers to the contemporary
political situation in Cyrene. The poet's presentation and use of this
material is assessed in the light of his treatment of contemporary
allusions elsewhere in the odes.
The complex relationship between the two odes for Arcesilas is
considered in the light of other double commissions. Pythian 4 contains an
unusual plea for an exile, Damophilus. He may have paid for the ode. The
unusual features of Pythian 5 are examined: an extraordinary tribute to
Arcesilas' charioteer, Carrhotus; vivid and numerous details of the
topography of Cyrene and details of religious cult practice there. Pythian 5
also raises the question of the identity of the first person in Pindar. The
poet's treatment of Cyrenean history, especially the figure of Battus, the
victor's ancestor, who features in the myths of both odes, is also
considered.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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