Pelops Video

Introduction to the Myths of Olympia

  • Context of the lecture focusing on the temple of Zeus at Olympia.

  • Reminder for students to watch the first half regarding the Kentaromichi competition before continuing.

The Pediments of the Temple

  • Back Pediment: A tableau depicting the chaos of the Kentaromichi battle during a wedding, emphasizing themes of disorder.

    • Central figure: Apollo representing Sophrosune amid chaos.

    • Chaos arises when Centaurs drink excessively.

  • Front Pediment: A parallel myth focusing on Pelops and his quest for marriage.

    • Pelops: A young man seeking a bride, similar in context to Perithous from the back pediment.

    • Hippodameia: The mariable woman, with a father named Oenomaus, king of Pisa (the town close to Olympia).

Oenomaus and His Conflict

  • Oenomaus characterized as a blocker of marriage fearing being overthrown by his daughter’s future son.

  • His name suggests a connection to wine, hinting at potential chaos.

    • Oenomaus is to be associated with chaos due to his violent actions towards potential grooms.

The Myth Develops

  • Oenomaus sets a challenge: potential suitors must race him in a chariot race.

  • Competition Rules: Oenomaus offers a head start to competitors but plans to kill them if they get too close.

  • Chariots: Oenomaus possesses superior skills and equipment gifted by Ares, enhancing his threat level.

Pelops' Strategy

  • Pelops prays to Zeus for assistance to overcome Oenomaus.

  • Two versions of Pelops’ myth explored:

    1. Olympic Version: Zeus intervenes directly, causing Oenomaus' chariot to crash giving Pelops victory.

    2. Quest Version: Pelops and Hippodameia conspire with Myrtilus to sabotage Oenomaus.

  • Myrtilus: Key character who tampered with Oenomaus' chariot, leading to his downfall.

Themes in the Myths

  • Victory of marriage versus chaos as shown in the competition setup and winning ritual.

  • Deep-rooted social contracts regarding marriage and competition highlight chaos and order in both myths.

  • The role of oaths in Olympic Games emphasizing fair play, skewed by the rivalry.

Visual Elements of the Pediments

  • East Pediment Imagery: Zeus at the center, flanked by Pelops and Oenomaus, highlighting order in competition.

  • Symbolism of Hands Raised: Characters swearing oaths of fair play before the race, overseen by Zeus.

Cultural Significance

  • The context connects local politics with myths; the victory of Pelops supporting the city of Elis.

  • The importance of chariot racing as a main event in the Games, representing both marriage (the ultimate goal) and warfare training.

  • The image of the turning post (telos) represents both the finish line in the race and the end goal of marriage, emphasizing the realms of life and death.

Summary of Pediment Functions

  • The temple serves as not just a dedication to Zeus but also centers the myths of marriage and athletic competition crucial to Greek culture.

  • Visual storytelling conveys the ideals of virtue, social contracts, and the battle against chaos inherent in both life and competition.

  • Emphasis on the long-lasting repercussions of actions taken within these myths - morality of competition, fairness, and the consequences of deceit.

Conclusion of Lecture

  • Students are encouraged to reflect on the extensive intertwining of myth with social contracts, athletic purpose, and morality in ancient Greece.

  • Discussion of chariot races in popular culture (e.g., the film “Ben Hur”) prompts a vivid understanding of the historical importance of these events.