The Chimera is a fearsome, fire-breathing creature from Greek mythology, known for its unnatural fusion of a lion, goat, and serpent. It ravaged the land of Lycia until it was slain by the hero Bellerophon, mounted on the winged horse Pegasus. As a hybrid beast, the Chimera became one of the most enduring symbols of monstrous excess and unnatural combination in myth.
Meaning and Etymology
The name “Chimera” (Greek: Χίμαιρα) means “she-goat” in Ancient Greek, a nod to the creature’s goat component. In modern usage, “chimera” has evolved to describe any imaginative or grotesque combination of disparate parts—or a dream that is impossible or illusory.
Description and Abilities
- Body of a lion, with a goat’s head emerging from its back and a serpent or dragon as its tail.
- Breathes fire from one or more heads.
- Exceptionally aggressive and resistant to normal weapons.
- Embodies chaotic forces and unnatural blending of species.
Origin and Family
- Parents: Typhon and Echidna, the primordial monster pair.
- Siblings: Cerberus, the Lernaean Hydra, Orthrus, and the Sphinx.
Mythological Appearances
- Bellerophon’s Quest – King Iobates of Lycia sends Bellerophon to kill the Chimera. With the help of Pegasus and a spear tipped with lead, Bellerophon chokes the beast by driving molten metal down its fiery throat.
- Homer’s Iliad (Book 6) – The Chimera is described as “a thing of immortal make, not human, lion-fronted and snake behind, a goat in the middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire.”
Modern Appearances
Literature
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan – Percy battles a disguised Chimera at the St. Louis Arch, combining modern settings with classical creatures.
- Fullmetal Alchemist (Hiromu Arakawa) – “Chimeras” are hybrid beings made from animals or humans, echoing the myth’s themes of unnatural fusion.
- Monsterology by Ernest Drake – The Chimera is profiled with vivid illustrations and lore, ideal for collectors and mythology enthusiasts.
Film and Television
- Mission: Impossible II (2000) – The deadly virus is named “Chimera,” and the antidote “Bellerophon,” referencing the mythic struggle between life and destruction.
- Wrath of the Titans (2012) – Includes a Chimera-inspired monster among the mythological foes.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! – Multiple cards are named after or inspired by the Chimera, such as “Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast.”
- Supernatural (TV Series) – Features a Chimera episode in Season 6, blending human and animal DNA in a monstrous hybrid.
Video Games
- God of War III – Chimera appears as a multi-phase boss, combining fire-breathing, melee, and poison attacks.
- Final Fantasy series – Recurring enemy type, combining physical and magical attacks from multiple heads.
- Persona series – Chimera is a summonable persona, often with fire-based skills and hybrid traits.
- Dungeons & Dragons – A well-known creature with detailed combat mechanics; can fly, use three attacks per turn, and terrorize adventuring parties.
Other Media
- Chimera Roller Coaster – Themed attraction in some parks that draws from mythological horror.
- Chimera Squad (XCOM universe) – Tactical squad-based game where hybrid creatures feature prominently.
- Magic: The Gathering – Several Chimera cards exist, including “Skywatcher Chimera” and “Savageborn Chimera,” each blending magic and monstrous traits.