Bellerophon is a legendary Greek hero most famous for taming the winged horse Pegasus and slaying the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster. His adventures and ultimate downfall echo the themes of heroic ambition, divine favor, and mortal pride. Once favored by the gods, Bellerophon’s tragic fate illustrates the limits of human aspiration in the face of divine authority.
Family and Relations
- Father: Glaucus (mortal), though some versions say Poseidon
- Mother: Eurynome
- Mentor: King Proetus of Tiryns (initially)
- Wife: Philonoe (daughter of King Iobates of Lycia)
- Children: Laodamia (mother of Sarpedon), Isander, and Hippolochus
Key Myths and Deeds
- Exile and False Accusation: Bellerophon fled to Tiryns after accidentally killing a man. There, he resisted the advances of Queen Stheneboea, who then falsely accused him of assault. King Proetus, unable to kill a guest directly, sent him to Lycia with a sealed message requesting his death.
- Labors in Lycia: King Iobates of Lycia assigned Bellerophon a series of impossible tasks, hoping he would be killed. These included:
- Slaying the Chimera – a lion-goat-serpent hybrid that breathed fire.
- Fighting the Solymi and Amazons – formidable warrior tribes.
- Ambush by Assassins – Iobates sent his best men to kill him, but Bellerophon defeated them all.
- Taming Pegasus: With Athena’s help, Bellerophon tamed Pegasus using a golden bridle. Pegasus became his key to success in battle and conquest.
- Fall from Grace: Drunk with success, Bellerophon attempted to fly Pegasus to Mount Olympus. Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing Bellerophon to fall back to Earth. He survived but was crippled and wandered the earth in misery, shunned by gods and men.
Meaning and Etymology
The name “Bellerophon” (Greek: Βελλεροφόντης) is often interpreted as “slayer of Bellerus” or “bringer of ruin to Bellerus,” referencing a now-lost early exploit. Some sources link the name to ancient words for “to wound” or “to slay.”
Symbolism
Bellerophon symbolizes the ideal of the heroic quest as well as the dangers of hubris. His rise and fall offer a cautionary tale about overstepping mortal limits. He is both a model of youthful valor and a tragic example of ambition turned against itself.
Modern Appearances
Books and Literature
- Mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as a great hero of the past.
- Retold in Metamorphoses by Ovid, particularly his fall.
- Appears in modern novels like Heroes by Stephen Fry and Mythology by Edith Hamilton.
- Inspiration for Pegasus-centered fantasy stories and characters in young adult and epic literature.
TV and Streaming
- Appears in mythological anthologies and adaptations, especially those featuring Pegasus (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena).
- Referenced in documentaries covering mythic monsters or tragic heroes.
Video Games
- Smite – Bellerophon is referenced through mounts and monsters like Chimera or Pegasus.
- God of War and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey include mounts and lore derived from Bellerophon’s myth.
- Pegasus appears as a collectible or mount in many mythology-based fantasy games, often tied to Bellerophon.