The Journey of Bellerophon and the Pegasus is one of Greek mythology's most famous heroic adventures.
Bellerophon was a warrior of extraordinary ability who eventually became the rider of Pegasus, the legendary winged horse.
His story includes monster-slaying, divine favor, royal intrigue, and ultimately the dangers of excessive ambition.
Bellerophon
Bellerophon was a Greek hero associated with Corinth.
His original name was often given as Hipponous, while “Bellerophon” became his more famous name.
The stories surrounding him vary considerably between ancient sources.
The Accidental Killing
Bellerophon was forced to leave his homeland after accidentally killing a man.
He sought purification and refuge with Proetus, king of Tiryns.
The Queen's Accusation
Proetus' wife, Stheneboea or Anteia depending on the tradition, became attracted to Bellerophon.
When he rejected her advances, she accused him of attempting to seduce her.
The Impossible Mission
Proetus could not kill Bellerophon directly because the rules of hospitality prevented him from harming a guest.
Instead, he sent Bellerophon to Iobates, king of Lycia.
Iobates ordered him to perform a seemingly impossible task:
kill the Chimera.
The Chimera
The Chimera was a monstrous creature traditionally described as combining several animals.
It possessed features of:
lion;
goat;
and serpent.
It breathed fire and terrorized Lycia.
Pegasus
To defeat the Chimera, Bellerophon needed an extraordinary advantage.
He obtained the winged horse Pegasus.
Ancient traditions differ concerning exactly how he captured or acquired Pegasus.
Some connect Athena or Poseidon with his success.
Riding Through the Sky
Pegasus gave Bellerophon an unprecedented advantage.
From the air, he could attack the Chimera while avoiding its flames and physical attacks.
He eventually killed the monster.
Further Adventures
Bellerophon was then sent against other enemies.
He fought the Solymi and the Amazons.
His repeated victories made him one of the greatest heroes of his generation.
The Final Mistake
Bellerophon's success eventually became dangerous.
He became convinced that he deserved to join the gods on Mount Olympus.
He attempted to ride Pegasus into the heavens.
The Fall
According to the most famous tradition, Zeus sent an insect to disturb Pegasus.
Bellerophon was thrown from the horse.
Although he survived, he was permanently broken and lived out the remainder of his life in isolation.
Hubris
Bellerophon's tragedy reflects the Greek concept of hubris.
The hero begins as an extraordinary mortal.
His achievements are real.
But success creates overconfidence.
He attempts to cross the boundary separating humans from gods.
Pegasus
Pegasus eventually became one of the most recognizable creatures in mythology.
He symbolizes:
freedom;
inspiration;
flight;
imagination;
and heroic power.
Conclusion
The Journey of Bellerophon and the Pegasus is both an adventure story and a warning.
Bellerophon demonstrates extraordinary courage and skill, defeating monsters and enemies that seem impossible to overcome.
But his final attempt to reach Olympus demonstrates the limits of mortal ambition.
The myth suggests that greatness is admirable, but believing oneself equal to the gods can transform heroic success into tragedy.
