The origin of the sacred flame

France has been waiting a century for the Olympic Games to return to its shores, and Moselle has been hoping for the light of the Olympic flame to shine through it for 76 years. Zoom in on the origins of one of sport’s greatest symbols. The Olympic flame is without doubt one of the most famous symbols associated with the Olympic Games. But do you know where this tradition originated? Greek mythology, of course!

From mythology

to Ancient Greece

It all began with Prometheus, who, despite Zeus’ threats, stole fire from Olympus to give it to mankind. In so doing, he gave them the gift of knowledge. Even so, he was chained to the summit of Mount Caucasus, with the eternal torment of seeing his liver devoured daily by an eagle. It’s no laughing matter with the gods of Olympus!

In ancient Greece, the memory of this sacrifice was perpetuated not only during religious ceremonies, but also during the Games. At the heart of the Olympia sanctuary, where the athletes’ banquet was held, a sacred flame was lit on the altar of the goddess Hestia. This flame had to remain lit for the duration of the competition. If it was extinguished, it had to be rekindled using the heat of the sun.
With the help of a parabolic mirror, the heat generated by the sun’s rays converging at its center created a new flame. So when the weather was bad, our Greek friends were in a real bind…

Le design de la Torche des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de Paris 2024

A torch made in Moselle

Imagined by designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the Olympic torch, 70 cm high and weighing 1.5 kg, is an outstanding example of Moselle’s industrial know-how.

The torch was made from recycled steel in ArcelorMittal ‘s factories. Rolled in Florange and then cut in Woippy before shaping, 2,000 units were produced in Moselle (1,500 for the Olympic Games and 500 for the Paralympic Games).

The Modern Games

and the torch relay

Although Baron de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, didn’t initially keep this ritual, it was revived at the Amsterdam Games in 1928. Even today, the same ceremonial, inspired by these ancient rites, is used to light the Olympic torch. A few months before the opening of the Paris Olympics, the flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera, then handed over to its first torchbearer.

Speaking of relays, did you know that the custom of relaying the Olympic flame didn’t come into being until the 1936 Berlin Games? It refers to the messengers who travelled the Greek world to announce the dates of competitions. They asked for the fighting to stop so that athletes and spectators could get to Olympia.

The Flame in Moselle

until the Paris Olympics

The last time the Olympic flame passed through Moselle was at the 1948 London Games. Originally scheduled for 1940, the Games had to be cancelled and postponed due to the outbreak of the Second World War. The first torchbearer was a Greek corporal, who took off his uniform before carrying the flame to mark the sacred truce in ancient Greece.

These Games were also the first to be broadcast on television. French athletes won 29 medals, including 10 golds. So, make your predictions! How many home medals will France win in 2024?

Detailed route of the Olympic Flame

in Moselle

Parcours détaillé de la Flamme Olympique en Moselle (27 juin 2024)

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