BELLEROPHON AND PEGASUS MYTH BY: DAVID OLIU AND DYLAN BAKER TEACHER: KIMBERLY MAYER PRD:7

BELLEROPHON AND PEGASUS STORY: CONQUERING OF PEGASUS Bellerophon was the son of Poseidon and Eurynome. He was raised by Eurynome’s husband Glaucus who thought that Bellerophon was his own son. He soon went after the flying horse Pegasus. Bellerophon spent the night at an alter in Athena. When he awoke, he was given a magical golden bridle by Athena and was able to ride Pegasus.

BELLEROPHON AND PEGASUS STORY: RID OF BELLEROPHON Bellerophon accidently killed someone and went to King Proetus to be purified for his crime. As he stayed at the King’s house, however, the King’s wife, Stheneboea attempted to seduce Bellerophon who rejected her. This angered Stheneboea and she accused Bellerophon of seducing her. Also upset, the King sent Bellerophon to King Iobates, his father- in-law, with a sealed message for him to deliver to the King asking Iobates to kill Bellerophon. After reading the message, Iobates came up with a solution that wouldn’t anger the gods but that would still kill Bellerophon.

BELLEROPHON AND PEGASUS STORY: BELLEREPHON’S BRAVERY Bellerophon was asked to kill the horrible beast known as the Chimaera, a combination of the heads of a lion and goat with a serpent tail. Bellerophon was able to succeed in his combat because of his courage, skills as an archer, and his horse Pegasus. He was also in the favor of the gods because of his many sacrifices and acts of honor. Iobates realized that Bellerophon was favored by the gods when Bellerophon succeeded in all of his challenges. He made amends to him by giving him half his kingdom and his daughter in marriage.

BELLEROPHON AND PEGASUS STORY: BELLEROPHON’S DOWNFALL Bellerophon was loved by the people, he was happily married, and he had four children. In his greed, he foolishly thought that he could ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus and visit the gods. Zeus quickly stopped Bellerophon by sending the gadfly to sting Pegasus causing Pegasus to throw Bellerophon off. Bellerophon survived his fall, but ended up a cripple who spent the rest of his days wandering the world alone. No one would help him because of his offense to the gods.

Symbols The Bridle: He had a dream of the goddess Athena giving him a magical golden bridle. He awoke and found the bridle in his hands. He went to where Pegasus grazed, put the bridle on, and rode the horse The bridle symbolizes the blessing of the gods: when you choose what is right and true for yourself and what is in sync with your personality the gods honor that authentic life choice by making things easier. Pegasus: The creature represents two things: 1.Bravery. Pegasus and Bellerophon go into so may battles that many thought they would die or not return. But the bravery of the horse and the rider, and the trust they had in each other, represents the blessing of the gods when mortals are respecting each other and not being arrogant. 2.Intolerance of Arrogance. At the end of the myth, Pegasus throws off Bellerophon when stung by the gadfly. Even though this was not his choice, Pegasus still symbolizes intolerance of arrogance because he was smarter than his owner and he knew that trying to visit the gods was foolish.

SYMBOLS: CONTINUED Bellerophon’s Archetype: Hero Why: Bellerophon is considered to be a Hero archetype because of his actions and way of life. A Hero’s core desire is to prove one’s self through courageous acts. Bellerophon does this by facing all of Iobates’ tasks. A Hero is also usually strong, brave, and honorable. Bellerophon shows these qualities by refusing seduction and again proving himself through the challenges. Also, a Hero’s main weakness is arrogance. Bellerophon demonstrates this when his pride gets the best of him and he tries to visit the gods on Mount Olympus. A Hero is also known as the slayer which would represent Bellerophon because he is the one who slayed the Chimaera.

THEME Pride Comes Before A Fall Bellerophon provides a lesson in the proper relationship between a mortal hero and the gods. When he was young he honored the gods and won their favor but, then his pride got the better of him and that led to his downfall. In life, remain always aware of your own humanity, of your own weaknesses, as well as your strengths, to help keep you in balance and not become too arrogant or greedy.