Mark's Gospel shifts eyewitness sources from Peter to named women when Peter departs

Mark's Gospel relies heavily on Peter as the primary eyewitness. But when Peter denies Christ and withdraws, he is absent from key events: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection appearances to women. At that point, Mark carefully names the women who were present — indicating they are the eyewitness sources for those sections. More witnesses were present than a casual reading reveals.