Abstract

This article shows that Wilamowitz’ athetesis of the prefix κατα- in Pindar’s fr. 31 (= Aelius Aristides, In Defence of Rhetoric 420) is supported by the hitherto neglected Aristides manuscript Athous Iviron 163. In an attempt to interpret the fragment against the background of Aristides’ speech, I adopt an alternative reading (transmitted by the codex Vaticanus Urbinas graecus 123) that allows us to restore an otherwise rather awkward passage. Finally, I demonstrate that the myth of the gods asking Zeus to create special deities to praise creation and its maker which is reflected in the Pindaric fragment has inspired Philo and Aristides alike: they both integrate it into their shared conception of the gift of logos as a means to offer thanksgiving to the divine through hymns of praise.