Final answer:
Herakles' birth story in Pindar's 'Nemean 1' is followed by a prophecy focusing on his role in the Eleusinian katabasis, revealing his interaction with notable figures like Meleager and Theseus, instead of nameless humans, and suggesting an Athenian influence on the epic tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Pindar's Nemean 1, Herakles' birth story is followed by a prophecy that focuses on his role in the Eleusinian katabasis. Here, he is said to be initiated by Eumolpus at Eleusis before beginning his descent into the underworld at Laconian Taenarum. The significance of Herakles' initiation could suggest either Eleusinian or Athenian influences on the epic tradition. The poem is believed to date back to the mid-sixth century, as indicated by the evidence like the fragment of Exekias' pottery from around 540 BC. Interestingly, Herakles' interactions in the underworld do not encompass encounters with nameless humans or initiates but rather with notable mythological figures like Meleager and Theseus, whom he liberates - a detail which further underlines the Athenian connection due to Theseus's role as Athens' national hero.
This ancient tale, reflecting both mythic inspiration and historical context, reveals a tapestry of interconnected traditions, where poets like Pindar draw upon existing lore such as the exploits framed within the Herakles' katabasis, which is layered with the ideological resonances of places like Eleusis and Athens.