Atleti ed eroi bassi: Melisso ed Eracle nell’Istmica 4 di Pindaro

This article aims to analyse how Melissus of Thebes is represented in Pindar’s Isthmian 4. The emphasis on Melissus’ short stature and the comparison with Heracles, who is unusually μορφὰν βραχύς in this ode, can be better explained if the mythical narrative and Pindar’s politeness strategies are properly understood: Heracles appears «short in stature» in front of his opponents, just as Melissus does, and the poet considers not only the reactions of the winner but also those of the human and divine audience.