In the realm of Greek mythology, Pegasus stands out as the resplendent winged horse, an immortal creature born from the union of Poseidon and Medusa. Alongside his sibling Chrysaor, who bore a golden sword, Pegasus made his entrance into the world in a spectacular manner, emerging from the severed neck of his mother following Perseus’s heroic act of beheading her. For a period, he served the Greek hero Bellerophon, before ultimately becoming a servant of Zeus, who entrusted Pegasus with the crucial role of pulling his chariot adorned with thunderbolts.
Pegasus and Water Origins
The etymology of Pegasus is rooted in the Greek term for springs, “pegae,” a name tied to the belief that he was born near the Ocean’s springs. His association with water derived from a unique ability inherited from Poseidon; much like his father, Pegasus could generate streams with mere strikes of his hoof. In Greece, two prominent springs known as Hippocrene, meaning “Horse Spring,” were said to have originated from his hoof. The more notable of the two springs was located on Mount Helicon, a sacred site for the Muses. The waters of this spring were believed to imbue poets with inspiration when consumed.
Bellerophon and Pegasus
Pegasus spent a significant part of his existence under the ownership of Bellerophon, a renowned hero and monster-slayer.
Taming the Wild Pegasus
Pegasus was known for his untamed spirit and free nature, but he was eventually subdued by Bellerophon, with crucial assistance from Athena. The goddess provided a magical golden bridle, which Bellerophon utilized to capture the stallion while he was refreshing himself at Pierian spring, another water source linked to Pegasus and the Muses.
Epic Quest of Bellerophon on Pegasus
With Pegasus as his steed, Bellerophon was able to triumph over formidable foes, including the ferocious Amazons, the monstrous Chimaera, and the aggressive Solymi. Moreover, Pegasus played a pivotal role in Bellerophon’s vendetta against Stheneboea, the wife of Jobates, who had falsely accused him following his rejection of her advances. It is said that Bellerophon offered her a ride on Pegasus, and as they soared above the sea, the stallion cast her into the depths below.
The Tragic Downfall of Bellerophon
Unbeknownst to Bellerophon, he was destined for a similar demise. Following his many triumphs, he became consumed by pride, believing himself above mortals and worthy of Olympus’s divine company. Thus, he and Pegasus began their ascent to the heavens. Incensed by Bellerophon’s arrogance, Zeus dispatched a gadfly to sting Pegasus, leading the stallion to buck and cast its rider down to mortal earth, resulting in Bellerophon’s tragic fall.
Ascension of Pegasus to the Heavens
Eventually, the unaccompanied Pegasus arrived at Olympus, where Zeus welcomed him amongst his other magnificent steeds. Soon after, the god commanded Pegasus to draw his chariot, which bore thunder and lightning. In recognition of the noble service provided by Pegasus, Zeus honored him by placing him among the stars, granting him a constellation that continues to bear his name.
Sources on Pegasus
The narrative of Pegasus’s birth and the derivation of his name is captured in the early segments of Hesiod’s “Theogony.” The adventures of Bellerophon and Pegasus are beautifully articulated in Pindar’s 13th Olympian Ode, specifically in verses beginning around the 60th line. Additionally, Apollodorus’s “Library” provides a useful synopsis of these tales.
