Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/33



n far-off Lydia, Pelops was ruler of the land. Though still a youth, his eyes had seen much already. He had rubbed shoulders with the Olympians, had been Poseidon's beloved, and the god had made him deathless – so deep was his love. Now, cast back among the mortals as he was, some of the magic and power of the gods still clung to him, some of their skills as well. Poseidon had taught him to drive a chariot as only a god might, and his words of advice still rang in Pelops' ears. Now that the first beard darkened his cheeks and his strength and build had reached full bloom, no one could best him at handling the nimble car, at driving the snorting, pawing team. But riding was the last thing on his mind. Pelops' thoughts had turned to marriage, and he dearly wished for a wife.

One day a Greek ship sailed in from far across the sea. It brought word of a contest and the rich prize that hung in the balance. Oinomaus, king of Pisa, was seeking a husband for his daughter, Hippodamia, a girl of rare beauty. To win her hand, the suitor had to defeat her father in a chariot race, or lose his life trying. When Pelops heard 19