TFBT: Pythian 3 & 9

The Center for Hellenic Studies is hosting a dialogue on Pindar’s Pindar's Pythian 3 & 9 with Maria G. Xanthou on August 10.  I’ve been doing the suggested reading and have a few topics we might discuss;   

 (Apollo) "reached the child (Asclepius) and snatched it from the corpse; the burning fire divided its blaze for him,” (45) (Pythian 3, Pindar) Reminds me much of “when Zeus snatched him (Dionysus) out of the lighting-flame,” (Euripides, Bacchae 285 & 520) 

Chiron shaming Apollo here “You who know the appointed end of all things, and all the paths that lead to them.” (Pythian 9) Makes me think of Hera at 23.62 in The Iliad where she shamed him for lying at Thetis’ wedding.    

“Therefore, whether a man is friendly or hostile among the citizens, let him not obscure a thing that is done well for the common good and so dishonor the precept of the old man of the sea, [95] who said to praise with all your spirit, and with justice, even an enemy when he accomplishes fine deeds.” (Pythian 9)   Why does Nereus get the credit for this gnome?  

“Wise Themis spoke in their midst and said that it was fated that the sea-goddess should bear a princely son, stronger than his father, who would wield another weapon in his hand more powerful than the thunderbolt [35] or the irresistible trident, if she lay with Zeus or one of his brothers.”  Isthmian 8  So if Achilles had been the son of a Cronide, what sort of weapon of mass destruction would he have carried.  Zeus hurled thunderbolts and Poseidon’s trident shook the earth (earthquakes).  What in nature could be more powerful?   

 Quotes;  

·      “Fire leaps from a single spark on a mountain, and destroys a great forest.”  Pythian 3, Pindar 

·      “Melodious words which skilled craftsmen join together.” (P3)   Poets? 

·      “Accomplishment is swift (with) the gods.”  P9

·      “The anger of the children of Zeus is not in vain.” P3 

·      “There is a worthless tribe among men which dishonors what is at home and looks far away, hunting down empty air with hopes that cannot be fulfilled.”  P9

·      Themis prophecizing of Thetis’ son Achilles, “a son who is like Ares in the strength of his hands and like lightning in the swift prime of his feet.”  (Isthmain 8.38)  Hence, he is swift-footed Achilles.