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Themis, a study of the social origins of Greek ... - Warburg Institute

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vi] The Olympic Games 211<br />

But, before that analysis is attempted, we have to consider<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r series <strong>of</strong> Spwfieva, which present interesting analogies to<br />

<strong>the</strong> 8pct)/j,eva <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dithyramb. Like <strong>the</strong>se <strong>the</strong>y are magical and<br />

recurrent, having for <strong>the</strong>ir object to influence and induce a good<br />

year. Like <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>y became closely intertwined with <strong>the</strong><br />

worship <strong>of</strong> heroes. We mean <strong>the</strong> contests (dytoves) celebrated<br />

widely and periodically in Greece, and first and foremost those<br />

contests which set <strong>the</strong> clock for Hellas—<strong>the</strong> great Olympic<br />

Games.<br />

14—2

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