Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Pegasus and the Chimaera explained
The chapter recounts the myth of Bellerophon, who, after being sent to his death by King Iobates via a letter from Proetus, is tasked with slaying the fire-breathing Chimaera.
What happens
The chapter recounts the myth of Bellerophon, who, after being sent to his death by King Iobates via a letter from Proetus, is tasked with slaying the fire-breathing Chimaera. With the help of the winged horse Pegasus, tamed by Minerva and given a golden bridle, Bellerophon defeats the monster and later triumphs over further trials, eventually marrying the king's daughter. However, his pride leads to his downfall when he attempts to fly to heaven, causing Jupiter to send a gadfly that stings Pegasus, throwing Bellerophon to wander blind and lame. The chapter also includes poetic references to Pegasus by Milton, Young, Schiller, and Shakespeare.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Bellerophon's pride in attempting to fly to heaven on Pegasus leads to his downfall, as Jupiter punishes him with blindness and lameness.
Heroism and the Quest
Bellerophon accepts the dangerous quest to slay the Chimaera, aided by divine gifts and the winged horse Pegasus.
Hospitality and Its Violation
King Iobates struggles with the request to kill Bellerophon, as it violates the sacred duty of hospitality, yet he devises a perilous task instead.
Characters to notice
- Perseus
Mentioned as the one who cut off Medusa's head, from whose blood Pegasus was born.
- Bellerophon
The gallant young warrior who slays the Chimaera with Pegasus, later falls due to pride.
- Minerva
Tames Pegasus and presents him to the Muses; gives Bellerophon a golden bridle in his sleep.
- Jupiter
Sends a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing Bellerophon's fall for his presumption.
- Bellerophon
King Proetus sends Bellerophon with a letter requesting his death due to jealousy.
Key passages
“From this instance of Bellerophon being unconsciously the bearer of his own death warrant, the expression 'Bellerophontic letters' arose, to describe any species of communication which a person is made the bearer of, containing matter prejudicial to himself.”
This story gave rise to the term 'Bellerophontic letters,' meaning a message that harms the person who delivers it without their knowledge.
Explains the origin of a literary phrase.
“At last Bellerophon by his pride and presumption drew upon himself the anger of the gods; it is said he even attempted to fly up into heaven on his winged steed, but Jupiter sent a gadfly which stung Pegasus and made him throw his rider, who became lame and blind in consequence.”
Ultimately, Bellerophon's arrogance angered the gods; he tried to ride Pegasus to heaven, but Jupiter sent a gadfly that stung the horse, causing it to throw Bellerophon, leaving him lame and blind.
Describes the hero's tragic fall due to hubris.
“Pegasus, being the horse of the Muses, has always been at the service of the poets.”
Pegasus, as the Muses' horse, has traditionally been a symbol for poetic inspiration.
Highlights Pegasus's role in poetry.