The Slayer of the Chimera and Rider of Pegasus
Bellerophon, one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, is best known for taming the winged horse Pegasus and slaying the fearsome Chimera. As a demigod and a mortal favored by the gods, his life was filled with extraordinary feats, divine favor, and tragic downfall. His story is a blend of courage, ambition, and a sobering warning about the dangers of hubris.
In this article, we’ll explore Bellerophon’s origins, his legendary adventures, and the lessons his myth imparts.
The Origins of Bellerophon
He was born in Corinth, the son of the mortal Eurynome and, according to some accounts, the god Poseidon. His divine lineage granted him extraordinary strength and courage, qualities that made him a formidable hero. His original name was Hipponous, but after accidentally killing a man (some say his brother), he was renamed Bellerophon, meaning “slayer of Belleros” (the name of the man he killed).
To atone for this crime, he sought purification from King Proetus of Tiryns. This act set in motion the chain of events that would define his life and immortalize his name in myth.
Bellerophon and the Chimera
The False Accusation
While at Proetus’ court, our hero caught the eye of Stheneboea (or Anteia), the king’s wife, who attempted to seduce him. When he rejected her advances, she falsely accused him of trying to assault her. Enraged but unwilling to kill a guest due to the sacred laws of hospitality, Proetus sent him to King Iobates of Lycia with a sealed letter requesting that Iobates kill him.
The Task of Slaying the Chimera
Instead of outright killing him, Iobates decided to send Bellerophon on a suicide mission: to slay the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. The Chimera had been terrorizing Lycia, and it was believed to be invincible.
Taming Pegasus
Before confronting the Chimera, he sought the aid of Pegasus, the winged horse born from the blood of Medusa. Guided by the goddess Athena, who appeared to him in a dream, he found Pegasus drinking from the spring of Pirene. Using a golden bridle provided by Athena, he tamed the magnificent creature, gaining the ability to fly.
The Battle with the Chimera
Riding Pegasus, he attacked the Chimera from the air, avoiding its deadly flames. Using a spear tipped with lead, he thrust the weapon into the monster’s throat. The heat from its fiery breath melted the lead, suffocating the Chimera and securing Bellerophon’s place as one of Greek mythology’s greatest monster-slayers.
Other Adventures
After defeating the Chimera, Iobates assigned him several more dangerous tasks, all of which he completed with the aid of Pegasus. These included battling the Solymi (a fierce warrior tribe) and the Amazons, a race of formidable warrior women.
Recognizing his divine favor and extraordinary abilities, Iobates eventually abandoned his attempts to kill him. Instead, he offered Bellerophon his daughter’s hand in marriage and made him his heir, further solidifying the hero’s legendary status.
Bellerophon’s Downfall
Despite his incredible successes, his story ends in tragedy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris.
Flushed with pride and believing himself equal to the gods, he attempted to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. This act of arrogance angered Zeus, who sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus. The horse bucked, throwing him back to Earth.
Some versions of the myth say he survived the fall but was crippled and spent the rest of his life wandering the earth in misery, shunned by gods and mortals alike. This tragic end underscores the Greek belief in the importance of humility and the consequences of overstepping mortal boundaries.
Legacy of Bellerophon
His story is one of both triumph and tragedy, offering lessons about bravery, ambition, and the dangers of excessive pride. His legacy lives on through:
Pegasus
The winged horse Pegasus, often depicted alongside Bellerophon, became one of the most enduring symbols of Greek mythology, representing freedom, inspiration, and the divine connection between mortals and gods.
The Chimera
The Chimera’s defeat by him has become a symbol of overcoming impossible odds. The term “chimera” is still used today to describe something fantastical or improbable.
Moral Lessons
Bellerophon’s fall serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of hubris and the importance of respecting the limits of mortal ambition.
