‘Creeping Time’: The Coherence of Time Metaphors in Pindar

Steven J. Lundy (University of Texas, Austin)

This paper attempts to elaborate on previous analyses of time (χρόνος) in Pindar (eg. Komornicka 1974, Kromer 1976, Vivante 1972, Theunissen 2000) by suggesting a new approach which focuses on Pindar’s use of χρόνος within a series of coherent and consistent spatial metaphorical sequences. In this approach, metaphor is described largely according to George Lakoff’s theoretical work on the subject, which both expands the possible scope of metaphorical investigation and explains metaphor as a mode of thought rather than rhetorical adornment. Pindar’s frequent use of the verb ἕρπω to describe the metaphorical ‘movement’ of time (Ο.6.97, P.1.56-7, N.4.43, N.7.67-68, Pa.2.26-27) thus garners particular interest, a usage which to date has been observed but not satisfactorily explained by earlier scholarship.

My first task is to survey prominent poetic instances of ἕρπω in early Greek literature, which are almost exclusively confined to Homer. Although ἕρπω is often thought to have little more colouring than a simple verb of motion (hence LSJ sv. 2), I argue that Homer consistently uses the verb in the context of movement specific to life, as well as frequently suggesting a low, ‘creeping’ motion which is the basis of its etymological connection with e.g. serpens. Turning to the Pindaric corpus, in instances not associated with χρόνος, the poet nuances Homeric usage (which he imitates at O.7.52) endowing the verb with a specifically-directed, linear motion. The best examples of this tendency are the description of the outmoded linear dithyrambic procession at Dith. 2.1-2 (explained by D’Angour 1997) and the evocation of verse recitation at I.4.37-41. Interestingly, Pindar shares with Alcman (PMGF fr. 41) an association between the metaphorical motion of ἕρπω and the composition or performance of poetry.

In the central section of my paper, I offer a thorough analysis of each instance of χρόνος deployed with ἕρπω. My main contention here is that Pindar creates images of high but consistent metaphorical complexity. Specifically, the poet exploits the spatial dimensions of ἕρπω (linearity, low movement) in conjunction with words describing spatial relationships but with similar metaphorical extension (e.g. ὀρθωτὴρ, P.1.56; ἔμπεδος, ἐξοπίσω, Pa.2.26-7). Through this process, I hope to show that the effect created by the confluence of time-metaphors is both internally and externally coherent, with the consistent suggestion that χρόνος is an entity which accompanies man – but can also fail to. Although Pindar’s use of ἕρπω may be explained by an appeal to elements of the Orphic traditions, the accompaniment of χρόνος – even when not personified as a deity – appears to enhance the perceptive capacity of the agent, enabling his understanding of current events in terms of past and future events.