Fate and Divine Justice

Where it surfaces

• I For Hiero of Syracuse

  The story of Tantalus illustrates the consequences of hubris and the inescapable justice of Zeus, while Pelops' success shows divine favor for the righteous.

• II For Theron of Akragas

  The ode describes the judgment of souls after death, with Rhadamanthus as assessor, and the blessed afterlife for the righteous.

• VI For Agesias of Syracuse

  Iamus' destiny as a prophet is ordained by Apollo and the Fates, and the oracle at Olympia is established by divine will.

• VII For Diagoras of Rhodes

  The myth of Tlepolemus' exile and the oracle's guidance, as well as the allotment of Rhodes to Helios, reflect divine will and justice.

• VIII For Alkimedon of Aegina

  The dragon portent and Apollo's prophecy foretell Troy's destined fall, showing divine will in history.

• X For Agesidamus of Locri Epizephyrii

  The narrative of Heracles' vengeance on Augeas illustrates divine retribution for broken oaths and injustice.

• XII For Ergoteles of Himera

  The poem emphasizes the unpredictability of human fate and the role of divine fortune in shaping outcomes, as seen in Ergoteles' exile turned to glory.

• XIII For Xenophon of Corinth

  The invocation of Zeus and the hope for future fortune, with the acknowledgment that 'with God lies the issue,' underscores divine oversight and fate.

• The Pythian Odes

  Pindar emphasizes the role of divine will in granting victory and the moral order underlying success.

• I For Hiero of Syracuse

  Philoktetes' fate is fulfilled by divine will; Hiero's success is attributed to the gods' guidance.

• II For Hiero of Syracuse

  The myth of Ixion illustrates divine punishment for hubris and transgression.

• III For Hiero of Syracuse

  Apollo punishes Koronis for her betrayal, and Zeus strikes Asklepius for raising the dead, emphasizing divine retribution.

• IV

  The prophecy of Medea and the oracle to Pelias highlight the inescapable nature of fate and divine will.

• VIII For Aristomenes of Aegina

  Pindar emphasizes that success comes from divine favor, not human effort alone, and that fate determines outcomes.

• IX For Telesikrates of Kyrene

  Cheiron's prophecy and Apollo's actions fulfill a divine plan, showing that the gods ordain the destinies of cities and individuals.

• XII For Midas of Akragas, on his victory in flute-playing, 490 BC

  The poem emphasizes that fate is inescapable and that a god may grant unexpected boons, reflecting on divine will.

• I For Chromius of Etna

  Teiresias' prophecy outlines Heracles' destined labors and eventual reward, illustrating the theme of fate and divine justice.

• II For Timodemus of Acharnae

  Destiny is portrayed as guiding Timodemus's path, ensuring his success in the games.

• IV For Timasarchus of Aegina

  References to Lord Fate and the destined perfection of excellence, as well as the downfall of the treacherous.

• V For Pytheas of Aegina

  Fate linked to birth controls life's actions, and Zeus' justice rewards Peleus' virtue with a divine bride.

• VII For Sogenes of Aegina

  The poem emphasizes the binding power of Fate and the fulfillment of destiny, as seen in Neoptolemus' preordained death at Delphi.

• VIII For Deinias of Aegina

  The poet contrasts the unjust fate of Aias with the ideal of a righteous life, and prays for divine guidance to avoid envy and deceit.

• IX For Chromius of Etna

  Zeus' intervention in the Theban expedition and the fate of Amphiaraus illustrate divine will and the limits of human ambition.

• X For Theaius of Argos

  The story of Polydeukes choosing to share his immortality with Kastor illustrates divine justice and the power of choice in determining fate.

• XI

  The chapter discusses how fate's tides are beyond human foreknowledge and that destiny drives human endeavors.

• IV For Melissus of Thebes

  The shifting winds of fate and the clan's resurgence after tragedy illustrate divine will and fortune's variability.

• VIII For Kleandros of Aegina

  The prophecy of Themis and the gods' decision to marry Thetis to a mortal illustrate the inescapable decrees of Fate.

• Endnotes

  Discussion of Pythagorean transmigration and the fate of souls after death, as well as Apollo's role in divine punishment.