MYRTILUS (son of Hermes in Greek mythology)

Myrtilus sat in front of four horses, urging his steeds forward while grasping at the bounding wheels as Oenomaus shot at arriving suitors.^4,6,7,2,5 He possessed a golden chariot, part of a racing pair, and drove a chariot in pursuit of Pelops during a race.^6,8 Hippodamia persuaded Myrtilus to assist Pelops in his pursuit.¹

Pelops bribed Myrtilus to help him win the race against Oenomaus, and the charioteer cooperated with the challenger to ensure his victory.^3,5,9 Myrtilus used a trick that frightened the mares of Oenomaus.¹⁰ Oenomaus was dragged to death by his own horses, and he discovered Myrtilus's treachery before he died, cursing the charioteer to perish by Pelops's hand.¹¹

In retaliation for his own betrayal, Pelops threw Myrtilus's body into the ocean, murdering him near Geraestus.^12,13,9 As he was thrown into the sea, Myrtilus cursed the house of Pelops, and his death initiated a curse upon the house of Atreus.^12,13 He died sinking beneath the waves, and the sea changed its name to honor him, while his story became widely known among ships sailing the Ionian sea.^11,12,9

The people of Pheneus claimed his body was cast ashore by the tide, and they buried him behind the temple of Hermes.^5,2 An empty mound was also built in his honor, and the locals sacrifice to him by night as a hero every year, remembering the man whose fate was bound to the swift axle of the chariot.^10,5,7