Olympic Torch is one of the main symbols of the Olympic Games of the Modern Era, referring to the original rituals and traditions of the Ancient Olympics.
Also known as Olympic Flame, this is a reference to the episode in Greek mythology that narrates the theft of the “sacred fire” of Zeus (god of gods) by Prometheus so that it could be delivered to human beings. Prometheus was known as the titan defender of human rights.
Currently, months before the start of the Olympic Games, during a ritualistic ceremony, the torch flame is lit in the ancient temple of Hera (goddess of motherhood) in Olympia, Greece, to be later transported to various cities around the world.
O Olympic torch relay it also dates back to an ancient Olympic Games custom. In the past, messengers were sent to the most distant regions to invite and announce the date of the competitions.
In an attempt to recreate the ritual used by the ancient Greeks, the Olympic flame is lit directly through sunlight, which reflects off a set of concave mirrors and creates a heat wave, causing the combustion.
After passing through several cities and being transported by different personalities and athletes, the Olympic flame lights up the call Olympic pyre, during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The flame will be burning for the duration of the competition, being extinguished only at the end of the event.
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Olympic Torch History
Originally, during the ancient Olympic Games, which were dedicated to the god Zeus, fire was seen as the maxim of divine representation. This representation is derived from popular Greek stories, such as the legend of the titan Prometheus and the theft of fire from Zeus, for example.
After Pierre de Coubertin had rescued the spirit of the Olympic Games, the Olympic torch tradition only returned to the event as of 1928 Summer Olympics (Amsterdam).
However, the transport of the torch by athletes and personalities in various cities around the world only started with the 1936 Olympic Games (Berlin).
About the symbology behind the Olympic torch, Pierre de Coubertin – creator of the International Olympic Committee – said the following:
"May the Olympic Torch follow its course through the ages for the good of humanity ever more ardent, courageous and pure"
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