The Legend of Pegasus, The Winged Horse of Greek Mythology

INDEPHEDIA.com - In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a winged stallion, the son of Poseidon and Medusa. The story and the depiction of Pegasus can be found in many works of art, both Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian.

In Greek mythology, the story of the birth of Pegasus is inseparable from the relationship between Poseidon and Medusa. At that time, Medusa was known as one of the most beautiful goddesses who was fought over by the gods. Until finally, Poseidon managed to conquer Medusa's heart and had intercourse in the sacred temple of the goddess Athena.

Knowing this, Athena was furious and cursed Medusa into a terrible creature called a Gorgon. Then, Perseus was sent to kill Medusa, who had turned into a snake-haired goddess.

After Perseus managed to behead Medusa, he then brought him before the goddess Athena. Medusa, who was pregnant with Poseidon's children, then suddenly gave birth to Pegasus and Chysaor when Perseus cut off her head.

Unlike his evil mother, Pegasus is known as a creature who is a friend of heroes in Greek mythology. One of them is Bellerophon, a Greek hero, who was sent by the King of Lycia to eradicate the Chimaera monster.

While resting at the temple of Athena, the goddess came in Bellerophon's dream and gave him a golden bridle and showed him where Pegasus was. Pegasus, who was drinking by the river, was finally able to be tamed by Bellerophon and made him a mount in killing the Chimaera monster.

After defeating Chimaera, Bellerophon went to the top of Mount Olympus with Pegasus. However, Zeus found out about this and became furious. He then ordered the insects to sting Pegasus. Bellerophon fell. Fortunately, he was saved by Athena, but he became blind.

In the story, Pegasus made it to the top of Mount Olympus and met the gods, including the god Zeus. He then stayed on Mount Olympus and was assigned by Zeus to bring him lightning. Besides that, Pegasus was also the mount of the goddess of dawn named Eos.

The next Pegasus fact is about his unique story. It is said that every time Pegasus stomps his foot on the earth, a spring appears. One of them is on Mount Helikon, which is called Hippokrene (horse spring). Apart from Mount Helikon, other Pegasus springs are located in Troezen.

It is also said that Pegasus is not an immortal being. Since living on Mount Olympus, Pegasus later married Euippe and gave birth to many other flying horses.

Zeus respected Pegasus for serving him with all his heart. Zeus also placed Pegasus among the constellations. The constellation Pegasus is one of 88 modern constellations, and also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. (MT / IN / US)