Greek and Roman Mythology: Heroes: Bellerophon
[ Achilles ] [ Atlanta ] [ Bellerophon ] [ Hercules ] [ Jason ] [ Odysseus ] [ Perseus ] [ Proteus ] [ Theseus ]
Bellerophon was a hero that was sent on the deadly mission to kill the
Chimaera.
He arrived at the court of Iobates carrying a letter from Proetus. Ironically, this letter
contained Bellerophon's death warrant and asked that he be killed. Iobates did not want to
seem rude by not offering his guest the best services, yet he also wanted to please his son-in-law.
He then told Bellerophone that if he helped with various deeds he could do as he wished. He
was sent to kill the Chimaera, conquer the Solymi tribe, and to defeat the amazons.
While on his journey, a seer named Polyeidus advised Bellerophon to capture the winged horse Pegasus in order to aid him on his task. Athena also helped Bellerophon and gave him a gold bridle to ride Pegasus with. Bellerophon managed to complete all of the tasks set before him by Iobates; even killing his entire army. Eventually Bellerophon was given half of his kingdom and his daughter to marry.
However, after defeating the beast he thought too much of himself and tried to ride Pegasus up into Mount Olympus. Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus; thereby causing him to throw Bellerophon. He spent the rest of his days as an old man begging for tokins.
Father: Poseidon, raised by Glaucus
Mother: Eurynome
Wife: Philonoe
Children: Isander, Hippolochus, Laodameia, Deidameia
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Copyright: Nikki Burke 2000-2008
Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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