Final answer:
An epinician is a type of Greek lyric poetry performed at ancient Greek athletic games to celebrate victories. They were composed by famous poets and praised the athlete's achievements, their city or homeland, and the gods.
Step-by-step explanation:
An epinician is a type of Greek lyric poetry that was performed at ancient Greek athletic games to celebrate victories. These were often composed by famous poets such as Pindar and were recited or sung by a chorus in honor of the winning athlete or team.
Epinicians typically praised the athlete's achievement, their city or homeland, and the gods. They often incorporated mythological references and used grand metaphors and vivid imagery to convey the glory and honor associated with winning. Overall, epinicians were an important part of the ancient Greek athletic culture and served as a way to commemorate and glorify athletes.