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In Greek mythology, King Oenomaus of Pisa was the son of Ares by Sterope (or by Harpina daughter of Phliasian Asopus) 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 one legendary origin of the Olympic
Games.
Alternative: Oinomaos, Oenamaus
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