The myth of Pegasus and the chimera - Iseult Gillespie

Summary

In this mythological tale, Perseus defeats the Gorgon Medusa, unleashing the birth of the mighty Pegasus, a white winged horse. Bellerophon, a prince of Corinth, tames Pegasus and seeks to become a hero worthy of the gods. After numerous trials, including slaying the Chimera, Bellerophon is proven a hero but seeks further glory on Mount Olympus. However, Zeus punishes his hubris by sending a gadfly to attack Pegasus, causing Bellerophon to fall to Earth, while Pegasus is immortalized among the stars. The myth showcases the themes of ambition, heroism, and the consequences of arrogance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Perseus, protected from Medusa's gaze, successfully decapitates her, leading to the birth of Pegasus and Chrysaor.
• 😀 Pegasus, the winged horse, possesses immense power, capable of altering mountains and summoning streams.
• 😀 Bellerophon, a prince from Corinth, dreams of becoming a hero worthy of Mount Olympus.
• 😀 Bellerophon receives a magical golden bridle from Athena, allowing him to tame Pegasus.
• 😀 After taming Pegasus, Bellerophon feels his journey toward legendary heroism has begun.
• 😀 Bellerophon accidentally injures his brother, leading to his exile and purification by King Proetus of Argos.
• 😀 The Queen of Argos falsely accuses Bellerophon of attempting to seduce her, further damaging his reputation.
• 😀 King Proetus sends Bellerophon to King Iobates in Lycia, with a death sentence disguised as a note.
• 😀 Bellerophon faces and defeats the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster terrorizing Lycia, with the help of Pegasus.
• 😀 Iobates continues to challenge Bellerophon with dangerous foes, but Bellerophon triumphs every time, earning the title of hero.
• 😀 Bellerophon, driven by hubris, attempts to ascend to Mount Olympus but is struck down by Zeus’s gadfly, causing his fall, while Pegasus ascends to immortality.

Q & A

What was Perseus' primary objective in Medusa's cave?

Perseus' primary objective was to slay Medusa, a monster with the ability to turn people to stone with her gaze.

What miraculous event occurred when Medusa was slain?

When Medusa was slain, two beings sprang from her neck: Chrysaor, a giant wielding a golden sword, and Pegasus, a magnificent white winged horse.

What special abilities did Pegasus possess?

Pegasus was incredibly swift, could alter mountains with the stomp of his hooves, and draw streams from dry rock. No bridle could contain him, making him a unique and powerful creature.

What was Bellerophon's ultimate ambition?

Bellerophon's ultimate ambition was to become a hero so great that the gods would welcome him onto Mount Olympus.

How did Bellerophon manage to tame Pegasus?

Bellerophon prayed to the goddess Athena and was given a magical golden bridle. He used it to subdue Pegasus when the horse bent down to drink from a fountain.

What tragic mistake did Bellerophon make during his training?

During his training, Bellerophon accidentally mortally injured his brother, Deliades, which led to his disgrace and exile to Argos.

What false accusation did the Queen of Argos make against Bellerophon?

The Queen of Argos falsely accused Bellerophon of attempting to seduce her, further tarnishing his honor.

How did King Proetus plan to exact revenge on Bellerophon?

King Proetus sent Bellerophon to King Iobates of Lycia with a note that secretly ordered his death. Iobates then tasked Bellerophon with defeating the Chimera, a fearsome monster.

How did Bellerophon defeat the Chimera?

Bellerophon mounted Pegasus and used aerial acrobatics to dodge the Chimera's fire blasts. He then launched arrows at the beast and ultimately delivered a fatal blow.

What was the consequence of Bellerophon's hubris?

Bellerophon's hubris led him to attempt to reach Mount Olympus on Pegasus, but Zeus sent a gadfly to bite Pegasus, causing the horse to throw Bellerophon off. Bellerophon fell back to Earth, while Pegasus ascended to Mount Olympus and was immortalized in the stars.