INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.

I.

LIFE.

The names of Pindar’s parents are variously given. If we follow the prevalent statement, he was the son of Daïphantos; and his son, in turn, after established Greek usage, bore the name Daïphantos. His brother, of uncertain name, was a mighty hunter, and much given to athletic sports, and this has suggested the unfailing parallel of Amphion and Zethos. The names of his mother, Kleodike (or Kleidike), of his wife, whether Timoxene or Megakleia, his daughters, Protomache and Eumetis, have an aristocratic ring, for there were aristocratic names in antiquity as in modern times. There is no reason for mythologizing Kleodike, Timoxene, Megakleia. As well allegorize Aristeides, Perikles, Demosthenes, because their names happen to fit their fortunes. But Pindar’s aristocratic origin rests on surer foundations, and we have good reason for calling him an Aigeid (P. 5, 69–71).

Pindar an Aigeid.

What the relations were between the Theban and the Spartan Aigeidai is a matter of lively discussion. It is enough for understanding Pindar that it was an ancient and an honored house, and that Pindar was in every fibre an aristocrat. This explains his intimacy with men of rank, and his evident connection with the priesthood—the stronghold of the aristocracy. To his aristocratic birth, no less than to his lofty character, was due his participation in the theoxenia banquet of the gods at Delphi—an honor which was perpetuated in his family; and the story that he was a priest of Magna Mater Great Mother is confirmed by his own words (P. 3, 77–79), if not suggested by them.