Many who have seen Pelops in the week leading up to the chariot race have noted his focus and his confidence. Considering the nature of the race, this is quite a marvel. “He seems sure of himself”, one resident says. “It’s like he knows the outcome of tomorrow and whatever it is, he’s accepted it.” Professor of Psychology, Epicles says Pelops’ behaviour exhibits resolve. “It's not that he’s fearless; I think anyone would have to feel a certain amount of fear in this situation. It’s that he has immense tenacity in the face of that fear.” But people can’t help but think there is more to this than Pelops’ strength of character. Senior member of the assembly, Phaenippus says he
saw Pelops consulting the oracle of Delphi last month. “He came out, and he had a calmness about him that wasn't there before.” Pelops was then spotted making additional animal sacrifices at the site of the oracle. Phaenippus is taking this as confirmation that Pelops received good news from the oracle. But what exactly the oracle said, and how Pelops has interpreted it, is unknown. “It must be about the gods”, says one citizen. “Even Pelops can’t do this without their help.” If it is a deal with the gods, people are unsure exactly what form this will take and why they have decided to favour Pelops. Pelops is known to have spent some time on Olympus, yet the nature of his stay there is shrouded in mystery. Some say
he was the erômenos of Poseidon, others that he was restored to life by the gods after a cruel trick. “Either way, he could be expected to have good relations with the gods” confirms Arrian. “And we know it’s foolish to think that what anyone does escapes the notice of the gods.” “I think all of us here recognise something in Pelops that most of us don't have”, says one resident on behalf of the people of Pisa. Whether this is extreme courage or favour in the eyes of the gods remains to be seen. The speculation is mounting, and all anyone can do is wait until the sun rises upon tomorrow.