TARAXIPPUS (horse-frightening altar)
Wonder of myth · Greek mythological figure
- In the sources
- 6 ancient passages
Taraxippus, the Frightener of horses, stood at the passage through the bank on the longer side of the race-course.1,2 This entity caused horses to be seized by great fear without any apparent reason, leading to disorder, crashing chariots, and injured charioteers.2 Pausanias believed Taraxippus was likely a name for Horse Poseidon, though other Greeks held that it was the tomb of a native skilled in horsemanship.3,4
Accounts varied regarding its nature, with some claiming it was the shared grave of a man and his horse, specifically Dameon and his steed, who were killed by Cteatus in battle.4 Another tradition held that an Egyptian claimed a buried object frightened the mares of Oenomaus and all subsequent charioteers.3 Pelops received this object from Amphion the Theban, and it was buried at the location known as Taraxippus.3 He also created an empty mound there to honor Myrtilus, naming it Taraxippus because Oenomaus's mares were frightened by Myrtilus's trick.1
The Olenian rock in Elis was named after the supposed original inhabitant, while Glaucus, the son of Sisyphus, was identified as a Taraxippus at the Isthmus.4,5 Alcathus received his portion of earth at this location after he was killed by his horses during contests held by Acastus.1,5 Charioteers offered sacrifice and prayed for its propitiousness.2
