Bellerophon
Bellerophon was tthe son of king Glaucus of Corinth, who was the
most skilled equestrian of the day, and he was taught by his father
from a young age. Bellerophon was a precocious student.
When he turned sixteen, Bellerophon longing for adventure, set
out to find it. Along his journey he met Proteus, son- in- law of
Lobates, the king of Lycia. Pretending friendship with Bellerophon.
But in truth, Proteus was insanely jealous of Bellerophon, and sought
to cause his death. Feigning goodwill, Proteus gave Bellerophon
a sealed message to carry to the King.
Upon his arrival in Lycia, Bellerophon found that a pall had been
cast over the once-joyful land. Each night, the Chimera, a monster
with the head of a lion and the tail of a dragon, swept down upon
the valley and carried off women, children, and livestock. The bones
of his many victims lay strewn along the mountainside. The population
living in constant fear.
After Iobates had read the letter Bellerophon had delivered, wherein
he found that Proteus requested Bellerophon be put to death. Although
wanting to please his son-in-law, Lobates knew that an outright
execution would risk war against the Corinthians. He sent Bellerophon
to slay the Chimera, sure that he would never return alive.
Bellerophon, who longed for excitement, was not frightened by the
concept of facing the Chimera and he was overcome with happiness
at the opportunity to rid the poor people from this trrible threat.
Before setting out on his quest, Bellerophon sought the advice
of Polyidus, the wisest man in Lycia. Very impressed by the youth's
courage, Polyidus told him of the legendary Pegasus. Advising him
to spend a night in Athena's temple, and offer her many gifts. In
return, the goddess may help him to obtain the horse.
Bellerophon took his advice, and Athena appeared to him that night
in a dream. She gave him a golden bridle and instructions as to
where to find the well from which the Pegasus drank. In the morning,
Bellerophon awoke to find the golden bridle beside him. He knew
that his dream had been real.
Journing into the forest, Bellerophon located the well of which
Athena had spoken. He hid in the bushes by the well. When the Pegasus
finally arrived, Bellerophon waited till Pegasus knelt over to drink
and then pounced upon Pegasus from his hiding place, slipping the
bridle onto its head. Pegasus flew into the air, trying desperately
to shake Bellerophon off. But Bellerophon who was up to the challengeand
skilled in the handling of fierce horses. Pegasus then understood
that he had a new master.
Resting briefly Bellerophon then set out to the ledge where the
Chimera dwelt. Armed with a long spear, he charged the Chimera.
The Chimera exhaled a puff of its horrible fire. Pegasus darted
backward evading the burning breath. Before the Chimera could breathe
again, Pegasus renewed its advance and Bellerophon drove the spear
through the Chimera's heart.
Bellerophon returned to the palace upon the winged horse, carrying
the head of the frightful Chimera, the Kingdom rejoiced. The people
really admired his bravery, and the wonderful winged horse which
he rode. King Iobates gave his willing daughter to Bellerophon as
a bride.
For many years the couple lived happily and when Iobates died,
Bellerophon took his place. Again Bellerophon sought more and greater
adventures. Finally, he decided to ride up to Mount Olympus to visit
the gods.
Mounting his steed, he urged Pegasus skyward, higher and higher.
Zeus, displeased with Bellerophon's arrogant attempt to scale Mount
Olympus' heights, he sent a gadfly to punish the mortal for daring
to ascend to the home of gods. The fly stung Pegasus, and so startled
the horse that he suddenly reared, and Bellerophon was hurled off
of his back. He plummetingto the ground.
Athena spared his life by causing him to land on soft ground. But
for the rest of his life, Bellerophon traveled, lonely and crippled,
in search of his wonderful steed. Unfortunatley Pegasaus never returned.
Mythology
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