The Legend of Pegasus

The symbolism of Greek Mythology is second to none. We all remember Medusa, Perseus, Athena, Mount Olympus and of course, Pegasus, the white winged stallion, carrier of Zeus' thunderbolts.

This is the legend of Pegasus, the winged white stallion, bred from the love of Poseidon, God of the sea, for the beautiful, yet ill-fated virgin, Medusa, caretaker of Athena's temple.

Poseidon, so taken with Medusa's beauty, seduced her within the walls of Athena's temple. Angered by this offense, Athena, unable to punish Poseidon, turned her vengeance on Medusa and transformed her into a horrible monster with serpents for hair and a face so gruesome that the sight of it turned any living creature to stone. She was sent to the isle of the Gorgons to isolate her from the rest of the world.

The Greek Hero Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, was sent to decapitate Medusa. He accomplished this by reflecting her image in his mirrored shield, thus never looking directly at her, and with one stroke of his sword, cut off Medusa's head. Out of Medusa's severed neck Pegasus was born. Pegasus then flew to Mount Helicon where the nine Muses found and cared for the winged equine. Pegasus was the most beautiful creature that the Ancient World had seen.

After a few years, Athena found out of Pegasus and gave the Greek Hero, Bellerophon, a golden bridle to tame Pegasus. While Pegasus was drinking from a stream, Bellerophon approached him from behind and threw the bridle over his head. Once bridled and tamed, Bellerophon mounted Pegasus and they became as one, best friends in the world. Pegasus and Bellerophon galloped over land and sea faster than the wind. While riding Pegasus, Bellerophon knew no bounds; he even went on to conquer Chimera, the dreaded three-headed beast, part lion, goat and serpent.

Bellerophon, now arrogant with his successes, attempted to fly Pegasus up to Mount Olympus to join the gods. Zeus punished Bellerophon's insolence by having a horsefly sting Pegasus, causing Bellerophon to fall from his steed and come crashing back to Earth.

Alone Pegasus flew to Olympus where the winged horse was welcomed and became the carrier of Zeus' thunderbolts. In honor of Pegasus and his service to the gods, Zeus set the constellation of the winged horse in the Earth's night sky.

The constellation Pegasus lies between Pisces and Andromeda. The northeast corner of the "Great Square of Pegasus" is shared with the constellation Andromeda: delta Pegasus was given to Andromeda to provide her with a head.

So goes the legend of Pegasus!

Pegasus Dreams
Fan showcases their enthusiasm for the Pegasus through colorful illustrations and a song. Learn about his love affair with a human.

Pegasus's Kingdom
Find several pegasus images and animations at this winged horse tribute. Also find poetry and related links.

Mything Links - Medusa and Pegasus
Learn about Greek myths that involve the snake-haired Medusa. Includes the story of Pegasus, Perseus and the Gorgon sisters.

Pegasus in the skies - Constallation

Pegasus - Constellations Web Page
Explains the asterism's mythological background, and provides descriptions and data for each of its stars.