Pegasus
Mythical Figure
Pegasus is a mighty winged horse of Greek myth. According to legend, Pegasus sprang forth from drops of blood when Perseus cut off the head of Medusa. The horsemaster Bellerophon tamed Pegasus with a golden bridle provided by the goddess Athena. Together horse and rider slew the fire-breathing monster Chimera. (Legends vary, but some say Pegasus and Bellerophon performed other heroic deeds together.) Finally, Bellerophon tried to fly to heaven to join the gods, but Pegasus threw him off and the two were separated forever, with Pegasus living on as a constellation of stars.Extra credit: Pegasus also lives on in the logo of the Mobil gas corporation.
Bellerophon and Pegasus appear in our loop Seven Horses of Highly Effective People.
Four Good Links
Bulfinch's Mythology: Pegasus
Scroll down for the full Pegasus story as told in Bulfinch's Mythology
Pegasus the Flying Horse
The simple story with cartoon drawings, suitable for kids
Mythic Themes of Medusa
Unusual annotated list of links to Pegasus, the Gorgons, and other Medusa-related topics
Pegasus
Brief version of the story and more on other myths
Vital Stats
Birth
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Birthplace
Death
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Best Known As
Famous flying horse of Greek myth
