Bellerophon and Pegasus - In Depth Notes

Overview of the Myth

  • The story of Bellerophon and Pegasus revolves around themes of heroism, divine favor, and the consequences of hubris.

Who is Pegasus?

  • Description: A winged horse born from the blood of Medusa.
  • Attributes: Loved by the gods, recognized for his speed and beauty.

Who is Bellerophon?

  • Background: A mortal prince, son of King Glaucus of Corinth.
  • Character Traits: Known for his bravery but had a troubled past, having been exiled from Corinth for committing accidental murder.

Encounter with King Proteus

  • Seeking Purification: After his exile, Bellerophon went to King Proteus in Argos to seek forgiveness.
  • Purification Ritual: King Proteus welcomed him and performed a purification ritual, but soon trouble ensued.

The False Accusation

  • Stheneboea's Infatuation: Stheneboea (also known as Anteia), the wife of King Proteus, fell in love with Bellerophon but faced rejection.
  • Accusation: In retaliation for his rejection, she falsely accused Bellerophon of attempting to seduce her.
  • Proteus's Action: Rather than execute Bellerophon, King Proteus sent him to King Iobates of Lycia with a sealed letter instructing Iobates to kill him.

King of Lycia's Dilemma

  • Honor and Hospitality: King Iobates, respecting the sacred bond between host and guest, did not wish to kill Bellerophon.
  • Impossible Assignments: Instead, he assigned Bellerophon the seemingly impossible task of killing the Chimaera, a fearsome creature with a lion’s head, goat’s body, and serpent’s tail that could breathe fire.

Taming of Pegasus

  • Divine Assistance: Before facing the Chimaera, Bellerophon sought advice and received a golden bridle from Athena in a dream.
  • Finding Pegasus: At the Pirene Spring, he encountered Pegasus and successfully tamed him with Athena’s gift.

Task 1: Slaying the Chimaera

  • Attack Strategy: Utilizing Pegasus, Bellerophon attacked the Chimaera from the air, shooting arrows and ultimately defeating the creature.

More Dangerous Missions

  • Task 2: Battle with the Solymi Tribe: Faced a fierce warrior group in Lycia.
  • Task 3: Defeating the Amazons: Sent to confront the legendary warrior women.
  • Task 4: Ambush from Iobates’ Soldiers: King Iobates dispatched his elite warriors to ambush Bellerophon.

Reward: Honored as a Hero

  • Recognition: Iobates recognized Bellerophon’s success and favor with the gods; he ceased attempts on Bellerophon’s life.
  • Marriage: Gave his daughter Philonoe's hand in marriage.
  • Legacy: Bellerophon became the heir to the Lycian throne, living a prosperous life.

Bellerophon’s Downfall

  • Hubris: His ambition became excessive, leading him to attempt to ride Pegasus to Olympus, desiring to join the gods.
  • Divine Punishment: The gods cursed him, resulting in a life of misery and isolation until his eventual death.

Pegasus’ Fate

  • Ascension to Olympus: Pegasus flew safely to Olympus, where Zeus welcomed him.
  • Constellation: Zeus immortalized Pegasus, placing him among the stars as the Pegasus constellation.