Bellerophon Taming Pegasus

Bellerophon_Taming_Pegasus

Jacques_Lipchitz,_Birth_of_the_Muses_(1944-1950),_MIT_Campus

Bellerophon Taming Pegasus

Bellerophon Taming Pegasus is a notable myth from Greek mythology that highlights the heroic endeavors of Bellerophon, a celebrated hero, and his association with the divine winged horse, Pegasus. This myth is a significant part of ancient Greek lore and has been depicted in various forms of art and literature throughout history.

Mythological Background

Bellerophon, originally named Hipponous, was the son of Glaucus, the king of Corinth, and Eurynome. He was a renowned hero known for his courage and strength. Pegasus, on the other hand, was a magnificent winged horse born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was slain by the hero Perseus.

The Quest to Tame Pegasus

The taming of Pegasus is one of the most famous episodes in Bellerophon's life. According to the myth, Bellerophon was advised by the seer Polyeidos to sleep in the temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. In a dream, Athena appeared to Bellerophon and gave him a golden bridle, instructing him on how to use it to tame Pegasus.

Upon waking, Bellerophon found the golden bridle beside him. He then approached Pegasus at the spring of Peirene, where the horse was known to drink. Using the bridle, Bellerophon successfully tamed Pegasus, making the winged horse his loyal companion.

Adventures with Pegasus

With Pegasus, Bellerophon undertook several heroic quests. The most notable of these was his battle against the Chimera, a fearsome fire-breathing monster with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Mounted on Pegasus, Bellerophon was able to fly above the Chimera and strike it from the air, ultimately defeating the beast.

Bellerophon also fought against the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women, and the Solymi, a fierce tribe in Lycia. His victories in these battles further cemented his status as a legendary hero.

Downfall of Bellerophon

Despite his many successes, Bellerophon's story ends in tragedy. His hubris led him to attempt to fly to Mount Olympus on Pegasus to join the gods. Angered by his arrogance, Zeus, the king of the gods, sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus. The horse bucked, causing Bellerophon to fall back to Earth. He survived the fall but was left crippled and blind, living out his days in misery and solitude.

Legacy

The myth of Bellerophon taming Pegasus has been a source of inspiration in various forms of art, including ancient pottery, sculptures, and later, Renaissance paintings. The story symbolizes the themes of ambition, hubris, and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Related Pages

• Greek mythology
• Bellerophon
• Pegasus
• Chimera (mythology)
• Athena
• Zeus
• Perseus
• Medusa

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