OENOMAUS
Greek legendary mortal
Also known as Oinone
Ex-immortal King of Pisa and over-possessive father
Son of Ares and Sterope, he decided to become King of Pisa, which meant his immortality was in jeopardy for choosing to live on Earth.
This didn’t worry him until he had a daughter called Hippodameia. Despite her ugly name she grew up to be stunningly beautiful. To stave off suitors Oenomaus challenged all-comers to a long-distance chariot race. Win and you obtain the hand of his daughter — lose and your life is forfeit. The prospective grooms were even given a half-hour start.
Of course there was a catch. Oenomaus’s horses were a gift from Ares and they could go like the clappers. Twelve princely suitors ended with their heads on poles and Oenomaus boasted that he was going to build a temple of skulls to Ares.
Then Pelops, suitor number thirteen, turned up with some winged horses he had been given by Poseidon. This was a little worrying. Even more worrying was when Pelops cheated and bribed Myrtilus, charioteer of Oenomaus, to substitute wax axle pins.
We have a winner. ‘Here Comes the Bride...’
Oenomaus Facts and Figures
Name: Oenomaus
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Oinone
Gender: Male
Type: legendary mortal
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role: Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 2609
Cite this article
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Article last revised on September 06, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.