Tradition: Greek Mythology
Alternative Names: Taraxippus, Taraxippoi (plural)
Category: Ghost
The Myth
Taraxippos is a terrifying supernatural presence blamed for frightening horses during chariot races throughout ancient Greece. The name means “horse disturber,” and Taraxippoi were associated with places where horses suddenly became uncontrollably afraid, often causing chariots to crash and injuring their drivers. The most notorious was Taraxippos Olympios at Olympia, where a round altar stood beside the racetrack. As chariots passed this spot, horses were seized by a powerful and inexplicable terror. Charioteers offered sacrifices and prayers to appease the spirit and ensure their horses would pass safely.
The identity of Taraxippos varied between traditions. At Olympia, some believed it was the ghost of King Oenomaus, who had once killed the suitors of his daughter Hippodamia in chariot races. Others identified the presence with the tomb of Myrtilus, whose death was connected to Oenomaus, or with the grave of Ischenus, a giant born from the earth. These accounts connected the terrifying presence to the restless dead and the dangers surrounding ancient racing grounds.
At the Isthmian Games, Taraxippos Isthmios was identified as the ghost of Glaucus of Pontiae, who had been torn apart by his own horses. At the Nemean Games, Taraxippos Nemeios was associated not with a ghostly figure but with a red rock above the turning point of the racetrack. A flash from the rock supposedly terrified horses as though they had seen fire. Thus, Taraxippos was not always imagined as a single spirit with a fixed appearance, but as a supernatural force that caused horses to panic at particular places.
Sources
“Shade (mythology).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shade_%28mythology%29