This book investigates the cosmological context of Pindar's odes, and how it influences his presentation of praise. An overview of cosmological ideas based on gnomai is complemented by detailed literary analyses showing that these ideas are modified according to a victor's circumstances.

This book investigates the cosmological context of Pindar’s victory odes, and how it influences his presentation of praise. The study first focuses on gnomai as a reflection of cosmology, using these sayings to establish the views the poems reveal on matters such as the divine, the human condition and man in society. This overview is complemented by detailed literary analyses demonstrating how cosmology functions in individual odes. They show that Pindar shapes the poet persona to emphasize different aspects of the traditional world view or represent varying viewpoints so that he can praise each victor according to his particular circumstances. By focusing on cosmology the book highlights a neglected dimension of Pindar’s odes and challenges some traditional views on this poet.

Pindar's victory odes, written in the fifth century B.C. to commemorate the heroes of the athletic games, are some of the most powerful and intricte works of ancient Greek poetry -- and perhaps the most difficult to translate well.