In addition to the five Olympic rings, each intended to represent a continent, theOlympic anthem is the oldest symbol of the modern Olympic Games. Created by Greek composer Spýros Samáras to lyrics by Greek poet Kostís Palamás, the anthem gave a musical identity to the very first Games of the modern era, the Athens Olympics in 1896.
At the time of the anthem's creation, Spýros Samáras was already internationally renowned: his operas had been performed in all the major cities of Europe and the Middle East, and his opera Flora Mirabilis had been performed at La Scala in Milan (according to Olympics.com).
Since then, at every opening ceremony, it's the Olympic anthem that rings out, during a great moment of emotion, like at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games.
Written by Greek poet Kostís Palamás, as previously announced, who penned the lyrics of the new Olympic anthem. Here is the French translation:
Ancient and eternal spirit, august creator,
Of beauty, grandeur and truth
Descend here, appear, shine like lightning,
In the glory of earth and heaven.
In the race and the struggle and the weight
Of noble games lightens the momentum,
Prepares the crown
Made from the immortal branch,
And gives the body strength
Of steel and dignity.
The countryside, the mountains,
The seas shine around you,
Like a great temple made
Of purple and white,
And in the temple here all the peoples rush
To bow down before you,
Ancient and eternal spirit
The Olympic anthem is also played when the title of Olympic champion is won by athletes competing under a neutral banner or as part of theOlympic refugee team!
