Pegasus is a winged horse that originated deep within the tales and stories of Greek Mythology. Ancient Greek civilisation occurred between 1200 BCE and 323BCE, so the legend of Pegasus is thousands of years old.
Often depicted as a white stallion, Pegasus was born when his mother, the Gorgon Medusa, was beheaded by Greek hero, Perseus.
Pegasus was tamed by Bellerophon, and together they defeated the Chimera.
HOW WAS PEGASUS CAUGHT?
The tale begins when the Lycian king, Iobates, sends Bellerophon to defeat the Chimera. On his way, he met a seer (revered experts in the art of divination, and highly important in Ancient Greek society). The seer foretold that he would not be able to defeat the Chimera without the help of a flying steed, so instructs Bellerophon to sleep in the temple of Athena (the goddess of military victory). Athena visits him in his dreams, gifting him a golden bridle with which he awakens. He uses this bridle to capture Pegasus. They then journeyed to find and slay the Chimera together.
WHAT WAS THE CHIMERA?
The Chimera is described as a swift-footed, female, fire-breathing monster who devastated ancient districts Caria and Lycia.
This creature possessed the head and forepaws of a lion, the midsection of a goat (and a goat head protruding from her back), and the rear end of a dragon.
HOW DID PEGASUS AND BELLEROPHON DEFEAT THE CHIMERA?
Pegasus flew high above the monster; arrows raining from Bellerophon’s bow into the Chimera’s back. The monster’s blood oozed green, but it became clear that she was impervious to the arrows buried in her hide.
So, Pegasus flew closer to the Chimera. Bellerophon attached a lump of lead to the end of his spear and thrust it into the monster’s mouth. Her flaming breath melted it; the metal solidifying her vital organs, killing her.
WHAT HAPPENED TO PEGASUS?
Pegasus became Zeus’ servant; diligently carrying his lightning and thunder during battle. He can now be seen in the night sky as a beautiful constellation.
