Before getting into the official Panhellenic Games hosted by @mythandlegend and @highfantasy, let us go on a journey and learn the background of the Panhellenic Games and why it's so special!

What are the Panhellenic Games?

The Panhellenic Games refers to four separate sports festivals that were held in Ancient Greece. These four events were known as the Olympic Games, the Pythian Games, the Nemean Games, and the Isthmian Games.

The Olympic Games were the starting point, played in year one of the cycle, followed by the Pythian and Nemean Games in years two and three, and the Isthmian Games in the fourth year. They structured it this way so individual athletes could participate in all the games. Participants all over the world would travel just to participate in these wonderful events.

Ancient Olympic Games were originally hosted to honor Zeus and likely came to an end under Theodosius II, possibly in connection with a fire that burned down the temple of the Olympian Zeus during his reign. Olympic Games were always held at Olympia where a Torch always burns. The Olympic Flame represented the Games and for Zeus himself.

The athletes and the warriors compete for the final and ultimate prizes of Olive Leaf Wreath.

Founded in 582 BC, The Pythian Games were held in honor of Apollo, the God of Oracles, Healing, Music, Light, etc. It was believed these Games were created after Apollo killed Python, a mythical serpent and revered as Gaia's son, as it honored his killing of this terrible beast and securing the safety for mortals. However, Zeus demanded he pay for the crime of killing Python, so the Pythian Games were honored to pay for the slaying of Python. These special games were celebrated every four years at a sanctuary in Delphi, and usually two years after the Olympic Games. This practice was discontinued until at least 424 AD.

The events consisted of a separate festival for women, known as the Heraean Games, where they were allowed to compete in athletic and artistic events.

The Pythian Games were ranked second in level of importance, falling second to the Olympic Games. Similar to the Olympics, the Pythian Games featured competitions of art and dance, and women were allowed to take part in some of these events. The winners of the Games would receive a wreath of bay laurel in Thessaly, which was sacred to Apollo.

Founded in 573 BC, The Nemean Games were held in honor of Heracles, a divine hero and son of Zeus and Alcmene. It was believed these Games were created after Heracles defeated the Nemean lion, a vicious beast that couldn't be killed by any mortal weapon due to its golden fur. Its claws were sharper than any mortal sword and could cut through any armor. Other accounts say that the Nemean Games were held in honor of Zeus. These special games were celebrated a year before and after the Olympic Games in Nemea or every two to three years. The last Nemean Games were held on June 11 & 12, 2016.

The events consisted of competitions that were gymnastics or equestrian in nature. Some events included boxing, wrestling, foot races, and chariot racing.

The Nemean Games were ranked third in level of importance, after the Pythian Games. The winners of the Games would receive a wreath of wild celery leaves from Argos.

It's unknown when the Isthmian Games began. Some believe it existed when Theseus, who slayed the minotaur, was alive, or during the times of Sisyphus, the King of Corinth. They were named after Isthmus of Corinth, where the Games were held. The Games were believed to have originated as funeral games for Melicertes (aka Palaemon), who died after being thrown into the sea from a high rock. These Games are said to honor Poseidon.

These special games were celebrated a year before and after the Olympic Games in Nemea or every two or four years. It is said that the Isthmian Games continued well into the 6th century. Similarly to the other Panhellenic Games, the events consisted of competitions that were gymnastics or equestrian in nature and others.

The Isthmian Games were ranked fourth in level of importance, after the Nemean Games. The winners of the Games would receive a wreath of celery leaves that would later be altered to pine leaves known as Isthmian pine. They would also receive a statue or an ode. In the city of Athens, they would receive 100 drachmas.

How will the Panhellenic Games be hosted on MythandLegend and highfantasy?

Instead of having each set of Games be dedicated to a Greek deity, each set of Games will be dedicated to a region. For example, one may be Asian mythology while another is Western mythology. This is to help others explore mythologies other than Greek or Norse!

In the following chapters, you can learn more about the Four Games and where your story may qualify!

Are you ready?