The Messed Up Origins™ of Pegasus | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

The text delves into the mythological origins of Pegasus, the winged horse born from Medusa and Poseidon, who aids Bellerophon in completing impossible tasks before ascending to Olympus. Pegasus's story highlights his noble role as a flying horse in Greek mythology, despite his association with the muses being less prevalent in ancient texts.

Insights

  • Pegasus, born from the union of Medusa and Poseidon, emerges as a unique and powerful figure in Greek mythology, symbolizing purity and strength through his distinctive birth and divine lineage, shaping his role in aiding mortals in heroic quests.
  • The multifaceted journey of Pegasus, from wild stallion to celestial constellation, highlights his transformative path from earthly companion to divine messenger, embodying the intricate interplay between mortal aspirations and divine intervention, ultimately solidifying his enduring legacy in Greek mythology.

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Recent questions

  • Who are the parents of Pegasus in Greek mythology?

    Pegasus is the offspring of the Gorgon Medusa and the god of the sea Poseidon.

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Summary

00:00

The Myth of Pegasus: Birth to Constellation

  • John Solo introduces the topic of Pegasus, a well-known figure in Greek mythology, and aims to share the real mythology behind Pegasus's birth and adventures.
  • Pegasus is revealed to be the offspring of the infamous Gorgon Medusa and the god of the sea Poseidon, with differing accounts of how his conception occurred.
  • Medusa, initially a beautiful mortal priestess, was transformed into a Gorgon by Athena after Poseidon's unwanted advances, leading to Pegasus's birth from her neck or blood.
  • Pegasus, described as pure white, is born alongside his human brother Creasor, with his name possibly derived from "spring forth" due to his unique birth.
  • Pegasus, initially living as a wild stallion, is later sent by Poseidon to aid Bellerophon, a mortal tasked with challenging missions by King Proetus.
  • Bellerophon, protected by the social custom of xenia, is sent on impossible missions, including slaying the Chimera, a fearsome creature with lion, goat, and snake features.
  • Athena guides Bellerophon to tame Pegasus through a sacrifice to Poseidon, enabling him to defeat the Chimera and complete subsequent missions against barbarians and Amazons.
  • Bellerophon's desire to join the gods leads to a failed attempt on Pegasus to reach Olympus, resulting in Zeus sending a gadfly to throw Bellerophon off Pegasus, leading to his fall back to Earth.
  • Pegasus, unaffected by the loss of his master, ascends to Olympus, where he is welcomed by either Eos or Zeus and is tasked with carrying Zeus's thunderbolts.
  • Pegasus ultimately becomes a constellation, residing in Zeus's palace, symbolizing his noble role as a flying horse, despite his association with the muses in modern times being less prevalent in ancient texts.

12:17

"Origins of Greek winged horses explored"

  • The myth of the singing contest between the nine daughters of King Pirus, known as the Purities, and the Muses, resulted in the creation of the inspiring well of the Muses, Hippocrene, on Mount Helicon, possibly due to Pegasus kicking the mountain at Poseidon's command.
  • Pegasus, the only named winged horse with specific parentage, is not the only one in Greek mythology, with others like the Pagasi mentioned in art and legends, believed to originate from Ethiopia, raising questions about the origins and connections of these mythical creatures.
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