Although often overshadowed by sporting exploits, the mythological and ceremonial aspects of the Olympic Games carry an equally captivating dimension. At the intersection of the ancient and the contemporary, these rituals remind us of the deeply cultural and spiritual roots of this global event.
On April 16, 2024, in the solemn setting of the sanctuary of Olympia in Greece, the Olympic flame was rekindled, marking the start of its traditional journey. Through Greek cities, the torch will travel thousands of kilometers before reaching France on July 16, symbolizing the unity and peace that the Games aspire to promote across the globe. Thus, we offer you an overview journey on the mythological roots and historical evolution of the Olympic flame, exploring how this symbol became a pillar of Olympic tradition and a bridge between eras.
The Olympic Games, paragons of tradition and competition, draw their origins from the fertile soil of Greek mythology. According to one of the oldest traditions, Heracles of Ida, one of the Dactyls, is at the origin of this institution. Other accounts claim that it was Zeus himself who established the Games to celebrate his victory against Kronos in their struggle for supremacy of Olympus. A third version of the facts attributes their creation to another Heracles, a demigod, who would have organized the first trials at Olympia in honor of Zeus, after having triumphed over Augias, the king of Elis.
The symbolism of the Olympic flame also finds its roots in the Greek pantheon, with the story of Prometheus, the rebel Titan who stole the sacred fire of Olympus to offer it to humanity. This act of defiance towards Zeus resulted in Prometheus being chained to Mount Caucasus, condemned to eternally suffer the punishment of having his liver devoured by an eagle, although it regenerated every night. In commemoration of this titanic sacrifice, the flame was placed at the heart of the religious rituals of ancient Greece, notably burning perpetually on the altar of Hestia in Olympia.
Interestingly, during ancient times there was no direct association between the flame and the Olympic Games. It was not until the 20th century that the flame was integrated into the modern Games. The connection was officially made at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, where the flame was first lit atop a tower overlooking the Olympic Stadium. In 1936, the Berlin Games saw the Nazi authorities reconnect with the mythical origins of the Games, by organizing the lighting ceremony in Olympia.
Today, in accordance with Rule 13 of the Olympic Charter, the Olympic flame is lit in Olympia under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee. This tradition continues the centuries-old connection between myth and modernity, establishing continuity between the deities of antiquity and contemporary athletes who seek to achieve their own version of immortality through Olympic glory.
Leconte Dor
