Ode to Andreea of Râșcani, victor of the idgaf race

Andreea of Râșcani, a name that resounds with glory and grace. Her beauty is like a precious gem, shining bright and unmatched. From the shores of Râșcani, she emerged, a vision that took everyone's breath away. By the gods' decree, her virtues were hatched, making her a noble and true soul.

Oh, Andreea of Râșcani, your triumph is a cause for celebration. We raise our voices anew, singing praises to your name. In the annals of time, your legend shall soar, reaching heights unknown. You are a testament to virtues, a shining example for all to follow. Forevermore, your story will be told, inspiring generations to come.

Thank you, Pindar, for this beautiful dedication. It captures the essence of Andreea and immortalizes her in the hearts of all who read it. May her name continue to be remembered and revered, a symbol of victory and grace.

Nietzsche once said that for Pindar, ancient Greek poetry reached its zenith.

The language is rich and the weighty mythological theme prevails.

It is highly recommended to those who are passionate about ancient Greek literature.

Pindar's works are not only a reflection of the ancient Greek cultural and social background but also a precious artistic treasure.

His poetry is full of vivid images, profound thoughts, and beautiful rhythms, which can deeply touch the hearts of readers.

By reading Pindar's poetry, we can better understand the essence and charm of ancient Greek literature and gain inspiration and enlightenment from it.

Therefore, if you have an interest in ancient Greek literature, it is definitely worth spending some time reading Pindar's works.

It was an extremely tough task to get through this text.

I found myself constantly referencing the footnotes, almost every 2 seconds.

This continuous interruption really made the whole experience far from enjoyable.

It felt like I was constantly being pulled out of the flow of the main content and having to divert my attention to the footnotes.

As a result, it was difficult to fully engage with and understand the main ideas presented in the text.

The constant need to refer to the footnotes disrupted my reading rhythm and made it a rather frustrating and unfulfilling experience.

Perhaps if the footnotes had been presented in a more integrated or less obtrusive way, it would have been a much better and more enjoyable read.

But as it was, it was a real struggle to get through and made me question whether it was even worth the effort.

Overall, this experience has taught me the importance of presenting footnotes in a way that does not overly disrupt the reading experience.

Left off part way through;

This statement indicates that the task or activity has been paused at a certain point. It could be due to various reasons such as lack of time, unexpected interruptions, or the need to gather more information.

When the person says they will come back to this later as time allows, it shows their intention to resume the work. However, it also implies that they are not sure exactly when that will be.

This situation is quite common in many aspects of life. For example, a writer might stop in the middle of an article to do some research or take a break. A student might leave a math problem unfinished and come back to it after studying other topics.

In conclusion, leaving off part way through and planning to return later is a normal occurrence. It gives us the flexibility to manage our time and resources effectively and ensure that we complete the task to the best of our ability when the time is right.

Athletes are often regarded as heroes favored by the Gods.

They possess extraordinary physical abilities and mental toughness that enable them to achieve remarkable feats in their respective sports.

Whether it's running at lightning-fast speeds, jumping to great heights, or competing with intense focus and determination, athletes inspire us with their extraordinary performances.

They become role models for many, showing us what is possible through hard work, dedication, and a passion for one's craft.

Athletes also bring a sense of excitement and drama to our lives, as we watch them strive for victory and overcome challenges.

They are the embodiment of human potential and the pursuit of excellence, and we look up to them as heroes favored by the Gods.

498 - 444 BCE (see wiki list)

In 498, there was the Pythian 10.

In 490, both the Pythian 6 (M) and Pythian 12 (M) took place.

In 488 (?), the Olympian 14 (M) occurred.

In 486, there was the Pythian 7.

In 485 (?), both the Nemean 2 (M) and Nemean 7 took place.

In 483 (?), the Nemean 5 occurred.

In 480, the Isthmian 6 took place.

In 478 (?), the Isthmian 5 occurred.

In 478, the Isthmian 8 (M) also took place.

In 476, not only the Olympian 1 but also the Olympians 2 & 3 and Olympian 11 took place. Additionally, the Nemean 1 (?) occurred.

In 475 (?), both the Pythian 2 and Nemean 3 took place.

In 474 (?), the Olympian 10, Pythian 3, and Nemean 9 (M) took place. Also, in 474, the Pythian 9 and Pythian 11 occurred.

In 474/3 (?), the Isthmian 3 & 4 took place.

In 473 (?), the Nemean 4 (M) took place.

In 470, the Pythian 1 took place.

In 470 (?), the Isthmian 2 took place.

In 468, the Olympian 6 took place.

In 466, both the Olympian 9 and Olympian 12 took place.

In 465 (?), the Nemean 6 took place.

In 464, both the Olympian 7 and Olympian 13 took place.

In 462/1, the Pythian 4 & 5 took place.

In 460, the Olympian 8 took place.

In 459 (?), the Nemean 8 took place.

In 458 (?), the Isthmian 1 took place.

In 460 or 456 (?), the Olympian 4 & 5 took place.

In 454 (?), the Isthmian 7 took place.

In 446, the Pythian 8 took place.

In 446 (?), the Nemean 11 took place.

In 444 (?), the Nemean 10 took place.

Even so, we go abroad in our manhood's height,

pondering many designs. For our limbs are shackled to shameless hope, and the streams of forethought lie afar.

We should seek out some measure in things gained. Too bitter are the pangs of madness after loves that are past attainment.

In our prime, we venture out into the world, filled with countless plans and aspirations. Our bodies seem bound by a hope that knows no shame, while our thoughts of the future seem distant and unclear. We must learn to find a balance in what we achieve, for the pain of madness that follows loves that can never be realized is truly bitter. It is a reminder that in our pursuit of dreams and desires, we must also be cautious and consider the consequences.

When poetry was not just a matter of using symbols, metaphors, expressing sentiments, or playing with words, as it has been for a while now. Instead, it was pointing towards and even creating the divine. It was a powerful force that had the ability to touch the deepest parts of our souls and connect us with something greater than ourselves.

Unfortunately, I can only read these magnificent works in English. While English is a beautiful language, I sometimes wonder what I am missing by not being able to read poetry in its original language. The nuances, the rhythm, the cultural references - all of these things are likely to be lost in translation.

Nevertheless, I am still grateful for the opportunity to read poetry in English. It allows me to experience the beauty and power of these works, even if it is not in the most perfect way. I continue to explore different poets and styles, hoping to discover new treasures and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience through the medium of poetry.

I delved into Pindar through an Italian translation, with the aspiration that the musical nuances of the Italian language might more effectively capture the delicate cadences of the Greek than modern English could.

However, I remain uncertain as to whether I achieved this goal. At the conclusion of the day, it is undeniable that Pindar in translation simply cannot match the original Pindar in Greek.

Beneath the multiple layers of translation, one can faintly perceive a majestic voice, possessing an almost Miltonic power, striving arduously to make itself distinctly heard.

It is as if the true essence of Pindar's poetry is imprisoned within the constraints of translation, yearning to break free and reveal its full splendor.

Despite the efforts of translators, there is an ineffable quality in the original Greek that seems to elude capture in any other language.

Nonetheless, reading Pindar in translation still offers a valuable glimpse into the genius of this ancient poet, even if it is but a shadow of the original.

Pindar is truly wonderful.

This edition is indeed perfectly serviceable. However, I find myself in a situation where I am in need of a facing page edition. So, I guess it has to be the Loeb.

Moreover, this particular edition is missing the fragments. I understand that it might seem like the tail wagging the dog, but there are times when you really need that one cryptic reference to Selene from just three lines of the surviving paean.

These fragments can provide valuable insights and add depth to our understanding of Pindar's work. Without them, there is a certain gap that cannot be filled.

It is essential to have a comprehensive edition that includes all the available material, including the fragments, to fully appreciate the genius of Pindar.

Hopefully, in the future, a more complete edition will be available that meets all the requirements of scholars and enthusiasts alike.

3.5 stars. Pindar's odes possess a heroic essence that commemorates athletes, politicians, and gods on multiple planes: genetically, within the family unit, in the context of regional history, and in relation to national pride. Here, we encounter not only the nascent stages of lyric poetry (if not the earliest surviving Greek specimens, then surely the most comprehensive and complete), but also the origins of athletics as a blend of hero-worship and nationalism. Pindar lauds the athlete as a mythical warrior, forever linked to the past feats of the gods, yet always cognizant that excessive success might breed hubris and ultimately lead to one's downfall.

The odes adhere to a fundamental structure: an introductory segment that pays homage to the gods most closely associated with the victor and/or his family, the recounting of a mythical tale somehow related to the athlete's triumph, praise for the athlete and his kin, a line or two connecting the poet with the victor in some manner (Pindar's way of self-promotion...or perhaps I should say blowing his own aulos?), and concludes with a gentle admonition not to let success inflate one's ego. Although this structure can become somewhat tiresome over 150 pages, Pindar occasionally offers nuggets of wisdom that are both beautiful and aphoristic. This elegance in interweaving myth and human accomplishment counterbalances the persistent disconcerting reminder that Pindar is being remunerated by the super wealthy - often tyrants - to pen these glorifying odes to their egos. But this is really no different from Renaissance masters incorporating their patrons into Biblical scenes and the like, so it's not too distracting.

On a final note, it would be prudent to obtain a critical edition of these odes - the Oxford edition is excellent - for footnotes on the historical backdrop of each ode, as well as references to the numerous gods, myths, and locations mentioned by Pindar. One can equally relish studying each footnote or simply reading the odes straight through to appreciate the language.

The 1513 Aldine Press folio is a remarkable piece of literature.

It contains a diverse range of works, including those of Pindar, a renowned Greek lyric poet. His compositions are known for their elegance and power.

Callimachus, another significant figure, contributes with his unique style and themes. His works add depth and variety to the folio.

Dionysius the Traveller's writings offer a different perspective, perhaps providing insights into his travels and experiences.

Lycophron's contributions also enhance the overall collection.

Together, these works make the 1513 Aldine Press folio a valuable and interesting piece of literary history. It allows readers to explore the different voices and styles of these ancient authors and gain a better understanding of the literary landscape of that time.