PINDAR: THE HYMNOGRAPHER OF SPORTS EDUCATION IN ANCIENT TIMES AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GODS, HEROES AND TRADITIONAL THEOLOGY

• Published in: Studies in physical culture and tourism 2008-01, Vol.15 (3), p.177-177
• Main Authors: Kritikos, A, Bekiari, A, Famissis, K, Nikitaras, N, Sakellariou, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0867-1079

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between athletics and religion in the poetic works of the great lyric Theban poet, Pindar; his religiousness can be found at the roots of his poetry and all his perceptions about the human physique and sports have been deliberately developed from a religious perspective. The study establishes that Pindar does not question the gods' existence at all and does not attempt to raise such an issue either. His devotion to the gods and traditional theology is very strong and is reflected in his work from the beginning to the end. According to Pindar, the clergy consisted mainly of intelligent and cultivated people, trying to adjust the gods' image to the demands of their era. The heroes were the incarnation of heroic mankind, brave and adventurous people and the noble model of athletic life. Pindar's traditional theology is placed right within the theology of his era He has always been trying to purify the concept of the godly element based on reason and the moral sentiment. According to him, exercising is a very amiable custom for the gods and they are pleased when the mortals honour them with athletic games. The athlete-winner is blessed by God because his victory is achieved thanks to God's blessing and help. This view expresses the poet's strict religiousness. In Pindar's work, the connection and the identification achieved between sports and the ancient gods, especially with traditional theology, were indeed important. The pedagogical importance of this identification enhanced the prestige of sports education by symmetrically cultivating the athletic spirit, vigour and beauty.