The myth of Pegasus and the chimera - Iseult Gillespie
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With the help of Athena, goddess of horses, it was Bellerophon who briefly tamed Pegasus. On the surface, the prince of Corinth and heir to the throne, seemed to have it all. But he craved thrilling battles and heroic glory – and for that, he needed a trusty steed who would help him excel in his adventures. You can learn more about his story and his family here. Bellerophon and Pegasus also make appearances in Homer’s Iliad, Pindar’s Olympian, and Apollodorus’ Library.
Together, Pegasus and Bellerophon defeated the Chimera – an ancient monster who refers, today, to a range of hybrid creatures – as well as bands of fearsome warriors. Buoyed by his successes, Bellerophon’s sense of hubris reached new heights. But like others before him from Icarus to Phaethon, he was mistaken to believe himself invincible, and plummeted to his death. Ultimately Bellerophon’s story is a tale of inflated heroism – but it is Pegasus who ultimately surpasses the foibles of human nature.

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