I would definitely not recommend this. In fact, I almost gave up halfway through. However, it is interesting for historical reasons. The Greek odes served as a precursor to the odes of the Renaissance and the modern hymns found in churches.

Many musical terminologies, such as rhapsody, chorus, and orchestra, originated from the Greek parlance of theatre, poetry, and music. Pindar is reputed to be a most famous lyric poet, although this may not be evident from the English translation. These odes were composed to celebrate Olympic victories, and what I find most interesting are as follows:

1. The Greeks' obsession with ancestry - The victors were often lauded, and then Pindar would proceed to praise the heroes and the gods from which the heroes originated (such as Heracles from Thebes and so on). This is astonishing because these mythical heroes were referred to as if they were only a couple of generations back.

2. Winners were celebrated like heroes, with almost god-like attributes - In the classical world, it appears that there were multiple degrees of godhood. If you were a great politician or an Olympic winner, you were almost celebrated in the same way as people celebrated Heracles or Theseus. All this, despite the famous Greek injunction against hubris (e.g. Phaeton, Niobe, Pentheus).

3. The songs are too long to be considered a song in the modern sense. They are probably closer to recitatives in opera, sometimes interspersed with detailed mythology. This is strange if you think about it. Who would bother to listen to the detailed genealogy and old stories of one's ancestors when writing an ode to celebrate someone? Maybe this is where we differ so much from the ancient world.

Pindar is like the yeast that ferments the wine of true classical poetry. His style and allusions are so obscure that they seem almost impenetrable, even within the realm of this particular art form. I, for one, have never been able to truly understand his thoughts and intentions.

Fortunately, his works have been preserved for us over the course of thousands of years. However, they are perhaps best suited for use as textbooks rather than for recreational reading. While they offer valuable insights into the world of classical poetry and the cultural context in which it was created, their complexity and density can make them a challenging and sometimes frustrating read for the casual reader.

Nevertheless, for those who are willing to put in the effort and engage with Pindar's works on a deeper level, they can offer a rich and rewarding experience. By studying his poetry, we can gain a greater appreciation for the art of classical poetry and the ways in which it has influenced and shaped our literary traditions.

Pindar, the renowned bard, holds a significant place in the world of literature.

As one delves into his odes, the enchanting recites of Greek mythos unfold, painting a vivid and beautiful picture. The poetic verse is truly captivating, and I find great pleasure in hearing it.

However, I do wish that it wasn't overly poetic and rhetorical. At times, this excessive style makes the narrative rather unclear, leaving some readers to wonder if that's just the way they spoke back then. But having read numerous books by various famous individuals from that era and even predating Pindar, I can firmly say that this isn't the case.

Nonetheless, despite its flaws, Pindar's work is still enjoyable. It's evident that he is not a traditional writer in the sense we might think. Perhaps it would be more fitting to give him a lute and let him create some wonderful songs, as his true talent might lie in the realm of music rather than in strict literary composition.

Overall, Pindar's odes offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of Greek mythology and the art of ancient poetry.

I became interested in Pindar mainly because he is cited as an influence on Plato by various scholars.

He is also a source for Greek mythology. It seemed to be an appropriate time to read him given that I am studying the latter right now and had already gone through Plato a number of times in the past.

That Pindar was an influence on Plato seems entirely plausible. It appears that Pindar had been influenced by Pythagoreanism. The odes suggest that it was the belief in an afterlife and a divine judgment on one's deeds that show the greatest Pythagorean influence and the most likely influence on Plato.

Plato, of course, could have picked this up straight from Pythagorean sources, but that Pindar was the medium in which he found certain ideas (e.g. Rhadamanthus' role as judge) seems very likely.

Most of these odes were composed for victors in various contests. Pindar has a tendency to recount mythological tales when he is lauding some victor. In some cases, it's in order to warn against hubris and pride.

Some of Pindar's comments almost seem to echo biblical ideas. Whether that was simply an intentional attempt by the translator to make the Greek conform to such, or whether the ideas were inherent to Pindar's thought, is hard to determine. It is interesting though regardless.

Very interesting work; both as a possible influence on Plato and as a source for Greek myth. Obviously, if one is interested in such topics, this would qualify as an essential source.

Pindar is truly a challenging author to read.

Many of the references and names within his works seem to pass right over one's head, leaving the reader with no choice but to spend a significant amount of time poring over the notes in an attempt to understand.

However, despite this difficulty, there are indeed glimmers of brilliance that are scattered throughout these odes.

These moments of inspiration and beauty make the effort of reading Pindar worthwhile.

They offer a glimpse into a world of ancient mythology, heroic deeds, and profound emotions.

Although the path to fully grasping Pindar's works may be arduous, the rewards of uncovering these hidden gems are well worth the struggle.

Each ode is like a treasure chest waiting to be discovered, filled with the wisdom and artistry of a bygone era.

So, while Pindar may be tough reading, it is an experience that can enrich and expand one's literary and cultural horizons.

Pindar's Odes are not only a celebration of the victors in the Panhellenic festivals but also a showcase of his remarkable poetic talent. He weaves together beautiful turns of phrase, stoic reminders, and profound insights into the human condition.

In his works, Pindar explores themes such as the fleeting nature of prosperity, the importance of a noble reputation, and the consequences of hubris. He warns against the folly of trying to reach the heights of the gods and reminds us that mortal ways suit mortal men.

Pindar's language is rich and vivid, filled with imagery of flowers, gold, and the Muses. His descriptions transport us to a world of ancient Greece, where the gods and mortals interacted and where the pursuit of excellence was highly valued.

The translations by Mr. Verity capture the essence of Pindar's poetry, allowing us to appreciate his works even today. Through his words, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs of the ancient Greeks and be inspired by his celebration of the human spirit.

ἄριστον μὲν ὕδωρ
[Water is best]
__________
The ancient brilliance sleeps,
and mortals are unaware of all that does not reach
poetry’s finest flower, yoked to the splendid streams of verse.

He is bathed in the brightness of the violet-haired Muses . . .
__________
. . . stream of nectar,
gift of the Muses and sweet fruit of my mind.

__________
Pindar's Odes are a testament to his genius and a valuable contribution to the world of literature. They continue to be studied and admired for their beauty, wisdom, and profound insights into the human experience.

I really adopted a rather unproductive back-seater's stance towards Pindar with this unhelpful edition. From the safe haven of my vantage point, I could simply fold my arms and listen, a sardonic half-smile playing on my face, for the token elements.

Sure enough, there's the familiar theme of the Gods enabling mortal greatness. Ah, there's Herakles once more. And then there's that tiresome digression about how Pindar himself towers above others and is in need of more money. Patrons' self-inserts? Check. Convoluted allusions like those of a village gossip? Bingo. And, good grief, yet another instance of the poet's inability to stay on topic? Bugger me with a fish-fork.

I have a hunch that much of my lackluster enthusiasm stems from the translation itself and the edition I have. C.M. Bowra could write beautifully, but he really seems like someone who has no feel for his native language, churning out clumsy lines and obscuring already abstruse passages. I also have no clue where he got his spelling from: Aphrodita, Athana, Damater... surely even the original Greek doesn't look like that? And even if it did, following conventions wouldn't be such a bad idea.

The edition itself is extremely lacking in information. I was given no details about the numbering of the odes or their sectioning. The purpose of each ode is only provided at the end, meaning that it's only later that I can figure out whether the ode was actually read to an audience or, as in one case, was Pindar's written attempt to curry favor with a nobleman and lambaste a rival. The notes are rather unhelpful, and it feels like whoever wrote them was neither consistent nor able to put themselves in the shoes of the reader. Sometimes the notes will explain certain names, while at other times the reader has to refer to the absurd index of names at the back of the book. And more often than not, I'm left scratching my head over the ode, only to discover that the notes offer no further assistance.

I can appreciate Pindar's audacity: it takes a great deal of confidence and a touch of pomposity to focus more on divine forces and one's own merits than on the victor of the Olympics. But all the talk about Pindar being the greatest Greek lyric poet just doesn't come through with this translation. Skip this and look for better translations and more helpful editions.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

We finally arrived at the last book of 2015.

"The Odes / Bütün Zafer Şarkıları", which presents all the poems of Pindar / Pindaros (518-438 BC), one of the 9 great lyric poets of the ancient era, contains poems written with the aim of praising and rewarding those who won in the Olympic Games.

Unlike Sappho and Hipponax, Pindaros, who attaches more importance to mythology, has a very difficult metaphorical language to understand. Due to being a work that requires a great deal of patience, there is a possibility that the work may turn into a real torture after a certain point.

Therefore, even those who are interested in ancient Greek literature need to think twice before deciding to read it. Nevertheless, it must be said that the poems are quite interesting, both in terms of language and writing style.

31.12.2015

Istanbul, Türkiye

Alp Turgut

http://www.filmdoktoru.com/kitap-labo...

Meh.

This simple word seems to convey a sense of indifference or mild dissatisfaction. It's that feeling when something just doesn't quite hit the mark. Maybe it's a movie that was hyped up but turned out to be just okay. Or a meal that didn't have that special something.

"Meh" can also be used to describe a person's attitude. When someone is feeling unenthusiastic or apathetic, they might respond with a meh. It's a way of saying that they're not really impressed or excited about whatever is being discussed.

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with choices and expectations, it's no wonder that the word "meh" has become so popular. It's a quick and easy way to express our feelings when we don't have the energy or the inclination to go into more detail. So the next time you're feeling a bit underwhelmed, don't be afraid to just say meh.

Beautiful stuff.

It is truly a sight to behold. The beauty that surrounds us can take our breath away. Whether it's the stunning colors of a sunset, the intricate patterns of a flower, or the majestic mountains in the distance.

Everywhere we look, there is something beautiful to discover. It can inspire us, make us feel at peace, or simply bring a smile to our face.

We should take the time to appreciate the beautiful stuff in our lives. It can be found in the simplest of things, like a child's laughter or a kind gesture from a stranger.

Let's not take these beautiful moments for granted. Instead, let's cherish them and hold them close to our hearts. Because in the end, it's the beautiful stuff that makes life worth living.

Zeus is one of the most important and powerful gods in Greek mythology.

He is often regarded as the king of the gods, ruling over Mount Olympus and the entire world.

Zeus is associated with many aspects, such as thunder, lightning, and the sky.

He is known for his strength, wisdom, and authority.

Zeus has a complex personality, sometimes showing kindness and mercy, while at other times being strict and vengeful.

He is involved in numerous myths and stories, where he interacts with other gods, goddesses, and mortals.

Some of the most famous myths involving Zeus include his battles with Titans, his love affairs with mortal women, and his role in the Trojan War.

Overall, Zeus is a fascinating and influential figure in Greek mythology, whose stories continue to be told and studied today.

His image has been depicted in various forms of art, literature, and culture, making him an enduring symbol of power and divinity.