The Myth Of Pegasus And The Chimera
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The Tale of Perseus, Pegasus, and Bellerophon
Perseus, a hero of Greek mythology, once ventured into the lair of the fearsome Medusa. He was armed with a sickle and protected from her petrifying gaze. In a swift and decisive act, he decapitated Medusa, and from her severed neck emerged two offspring – Chrysaor, a giant brandishing a golden sword, and Pegasus, a magnificent white-winged horse.
The Birth of Pegasus
Pegasus was unlike any other steed. His speed was unmatched, and his hooves held the power to reshape mountains and draw water from barren rocks. Despite his might, no bridle could tame him until a fateful encounter with Bellerophon, a prince from the Greek city-state of Corinth.
Bellerophon’s Ambition
Bellerophon was a man of great ambition. He yearned to be a hero of such renown that the gods themselves would welcome him on Mount Olympus. He believed that Pegasus, with his extraordinary abilities, was the key to achieving this lofty goal. After praying to Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, Bellerophon was gifted a magical golden bridle. With this, he was able to subdue Pegasus and began his journey towards becoming a legendary hero.
Bellerophon’s Downfall
However, Bellerophon’s journey was fraught with trials. A training accident led to the death of his brother, Deliades, resulting in his exile to Argos. There, he was purified by King Proetus, but his reputation was further tarnished when he rejected the advances of the Queen of Argos, leading to false accusations and a banishment to the kingdom of Lycia.
The Challenges of Lycia
In Lycia, Bellerophon was tasked with defeating the Chimera, a fire-breathing lion-goat-dragon that had been terrorizing the kingdom. With Pegasus’ help, Bellerophon was able to overcome this challenge, as well as subsequent trials set by King Iobates. His victories earned him the recognition of being a true hero and even a marriage proposal from Iobates’ daughter.
The Hubris of Bellerophon
Despite his achievements, Bellerophon’s ambition was not satiated. He believed he was entitled to a place among the gods on Mount Olympus. In an act of hubris, he rode Pegasus towards the heavens, only to be punished by Zeus. A single gadfly, sent by Zeus, bit Pegasus and caused Bellerophon to be thrown off, falling back to Earth.
The Ascension of Pegasus
While Bellerophon faced his downfall, Pegasus ascended to Mount Olympus with the blessing of Zeus. The gods welcomed him, and he was immortalized as a constellation in the night sky. To this day, the image of Pegasus soars high above, a symbol of freedom and unfettered power.
Discussion Questions
- What qualities or characteristics do you think make a hero, based on the story of Perseus and Bellerophon?
- Reflecting on the concept of ambition, do you believe it is a positive or negative trait? Why?
- How do you interpret the role of fate or destiny in the tale of Perseus, Pegasus, and Bellerophon?
- What lessons about pride and arrogance can be learned from Bellerophon’s story?
- Do you think Bellerophon’s desire for recognition and acceptance by the gods was justified? Why or why not?
- What do you think the symbolism of Pegasus represents in this myth? How does it relate to the concept of freedom?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where your ambition led to negative consequences? How did you handle it?
- How do you think the story of Perseus, Pegasus, and Bellerophon can be applied to our modern lives and society?
Lesson Vocabulary
Perseus – In Greek mythology, a hero known for killing the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster. – Perseus used the reflective shield given to him by Athena to avoid looking directly at Medusa and successfully defeated her.
Pegasus – In Greek mythology, a winged horse that was born from the blood of Medusa after her head was severed by Perseus. – Bellerophon rode Pegasus when he defeated the Chimera.
Bellerophon – In Greek mythology, a hero who tamed and rode Pegasus, and later defeated the Chimera. – Bellerophon accomplished many heroic feats with the help of Pegasus.
Greek mythology – A body of myths and legends originating from ancient Greece, often involving gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures. – Greek mythology includes famous stories like the Odyssey and the Labours of Hercules.
Medusa – In Greek mythology, a Gorgon with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people into stone. – Perseus used a mirror to avoid looking directly at Medusa while he approached her.
Chrysaor – In Greek mythology, a giant or a warrior born from the blood of Medusa when her head was severed by Perseus. – Chrysaor was often depicted as a fearsome warrior wielding a golden sword.
Winged horse – A mythical creature with wings, usually depicted as a horse, capable of flight. – Pegasus is the most famous example of a winged horse in Greek mythology.
Bridle – A piece of equipment used to control and steer a horse, typically consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins. – Bellerophon used a magical bridle given to him by Athena to control Pegasus.
Mount Olympus – In Greek mythology, the highest mountain in Greece and the dwelling place of the gods and goddesses. – Zeus and the other Olympian gods resided on Mount Olympus.
Chimera – In Greek mythology, a monstrous fire-breathing creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. – Bellerophon bravely fought and defeated the fearsome Chimera with the help of Pegasus.
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- Categories: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, History, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: bellerophon, bridle, chimera, Chrysler, greek mythology, medusa, Mount Olympus, Pegasus, Perseus, winged horse
