Oenomaus
In Greek mythology, King Oenomaus of Pisa was the son of Sterope and Ares and father of Hippodamia.
Pelops wanted to marry Hippodamia of Pisa. Oenamaus had pursued a thirteen suitors of Hippodamia and killed them all after beating them in a chariot race (because Poseidon had given him swift horses). He did this because he loved her himself or, alternatively, because a prophecy claimed he would be killed by her son. Pelops (or alternatively, Hippodamia herself) convinced Myrtilus (by promising him half of Oenomaus kingdom), Oenomaus' charioteer to remove the linchpins attacking the wheels to the chariot. Oenomaus died. Pelops then killed Myrtilus because he didn't want to share the credit for winning the chariot race, or because Myrtilus had attemped to rape Hippodamia. As Myrtilus died, he cursed Pelops. This was the source of the curse that haunted future generation of Pelops' children, including Atreus, Thyestes, Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Menelaus and Orestes.
Oenomaus' chariot race was the legendary origin of the Olympic Games.
Alternative: Oinomaos, Oenamaus
Referenced By
Ares | Arês | Chariot racing | Cynic | Enosichthon | Hippodamea | Hippodameia | Hippodameía | Hippodamia | Myrtilus | Neptune (god) | Neptune (mythology) | Neptune Equester | Olympiad | Olympic Games | Olympics | Olympics Games | Pelops | Poseidon | Poseidon (mythology) | Poseidon Enosichthon | Sterope
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