
What kind of animal is a Pegasus horse?
For more guidance, see Wikipedia:Translation. Pegasus ( Greek: Πήγασος, Pḗgasos; Latin: Pegasus, Pegasos) is a mythical winged divine horse, and one of the most recognized creatures in Greek mythology. Usually he is depicted as pure white.
What does the winged horse Pegasus mean?
Pegasus continued to be as popular after the Greco-Roman era as he was during it. In heraldry, the winged horse was used as a symbol of physical and intellectual energy, and the use of that energy to move toward honor. Pegasus was commonly used as a crest in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
What is the legend of Pegasus?
The legend of Pegasus began with a rather unlikely source – one of the most hideous monsters in all of Greek mythology. Medusa was once one of the most beautiful young women in the world, until she was raped by Poseidon in a temple of Athena. As punishment for defiling a sacred space, the virgin goddess transformed the girl into a terrible monster.
What are the best names for a Pegasus?
Top 50 Pegasus Names 1 Valkyrie 2 Poseidon 3 Achilles 4 Aeolus 5 Arcadia 6 Ariella 7 Aurora 8 Calypso 9 Phoenix 10 Morganna More items...

What type of horse was Pegasus?
winged horsePEGASOS (Pegasus) was an immortal, winged horse which sprang from the neck of the beheaded Gorgon Medousa (Medusa). It was tamed by Bellerophon who rode it into battle against the fire-breathing monster known as the Khimaira (Chimera).
Was a Pegasus a real horse?
In modern culture, Pegasus has come to refer to all winged horses, not only the one of Greek mythology who was transformed into the constellation of his name upon his death. Pegasus is generally not considered to have a physical existence.
Was Hercules a Pegasus horse?
Many might remember Pegasus as the winged companion of Hercules as depicted in Disney's popular animated movie. But according to Greek lore, Pegasus had nothing to do with Hercules, but was the steed of another Greek hero, Bellerophon.
What was special about the horse Pegasus?
Pegasus was an immortal winged horse. Pegasus was tamed by the hero Bellerophon who rode him into battle to fight the fire-breathing Khimaira. After this battle, Bellerophon attempted to ride Pegasus to the heavens; however, Pegasus bucked, throwing the hero from his back.
What kind of animal is Pegasus?
winged horsePegasus, in Greek mythology, a winged horse that sprang from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa as she was beheaded by the hero Perseus.
Who was the ugliest god?
HephaestusHephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.
What are 5 facts about Pegasus?
Read on to find out some more interesting facts about the constellation Pegasus.Pegasus is the Seventh Largest Constellation. ... Brightest Stars in Pegasus are of Nearly Equal Magnitude. ... The Great Square of Pegasus is an Asterism. ... Pegasus Constellation Named After Mythological Winged Horse.More items...
What is a Pegasus mixed with?
In classical Greek mythology, Perseus killed the snake-headed Medusa to save the princess Andromeda from a nasty sea monster. A few drops of Medusa's blood fell into the sea. When it mixed with the foam, it gave birth to Pegasus, who later played a part in the story of another hero, Bellerophon.
What is a Pegasus with a horn called?
A winged unicorn (cerapter, flying unicorn, pegacorn, or unisus) is a fictional ungulate, typically portrayed as a horse, with wings like Pegasus and the horn of a unicorn.
Did Zeus created Pegasus?
Bellerophon later fell from the winged horse's back while trying to reach Mount Olympus, where the deities resided. After that failed attempt, Zeus transformed Pegasus into the eponymous constellation.
What powers did Pegasus have?
Pegasus' PowersFlight.Carrying thunder and lightning to Zeus.Creating springs of water by pounding his hoof.Immortality.
Is Pegasus a boy or girl?
Pegasus Origin and Meaning The name Pegasus is boy's name meaning "from a water spring". The white winged stallion in Greek mythology who sprang from the blood of Medusa when she was beheaded by Perseus. Pegasus was ridden by the hero Bellerophon in his fight against the Chimera.
Where did Pegasus get his name?
In fact, the name Pegasus was thought to come from the site of his birth near the springs, pegai in Greek, that were the source of Oceanus.
Who is the horse that Poseidon referred to as?
Pegasus became one of the favorite and most trusted aids of the king of the gods. Among the famous horses of the gods and heroes, Pegasus gave his name to an entire line of winged horses. Many of these pagasi were believed to be his offspring. Several of these fantastic horses are associated with Poseidon.
What was the name of the horse that ran quickly?
The seasonal storms brought Zeus’s thunder and made the springs associated with the winged horse run quickly. Most ancient star charts pictured Hippos not as a complete horse, but as the upper half of a horse emerging from beneath the water. Hippos came to be more commonly called by the name Pegasus.
What is Pegasus' connection to the Earth?
As a land animal with wings, Pegasus had an obvious connection to both the earth and the sky. More surprising, however, is his connection to water. Medusa’s father was Oceanus and her mother, Phorcys, was a primordial sea goddess.
When was Pegasus published?
Published on May 23, 2020. Virtually everyone is familiar with the image of the winged horse. Pegasus, as this creature was known to the Greeks, has been seen in art and appeared in legends for thousands of years. Pegasus is so familiar in modern works that it can be easy to forget just how ancient his roots are.
Who was the first female to be raped by Poseidon?
The Birth of Pegasus. The legend of Pegasus began with a rather unlikely source – one of the most hideous monsters in all of Greek mythology. Medusa was once one of the most beautiful young women in the world, until she was raped by Poseidon in a temple of Athena.
Was Pegasus a good horse?
In the stables of the gods, Pegasus was in good company. As part of the Olympian stables, Pegasus became associated with Zeus. The poet Hesiod claimed that the great winged horse became the bearer of Zeus’s thunderbolts. Pegasus became one of the favorite and most trusted aids of the king of the gods.
What is the most famous myth of Pegasus?
The most well known of the myths that feature Pegasus is that of Bellerophon. Having been falsely accused of a crime, the Corinthian hero was tasked with slaying the Chimera. The fire-breathing monster was almost invulnerable, ...
What is the name of the springs that Pegasus was associated with?
The name Pegasus was related to both the site of his birth and to the springs he was associated with. Pegai in Greek were the springs that were the source of the river Oceanus.
What was the role of Pegasus in Bellerophon's downfall?
Striking from far above, the hero was able to out maneuver and ambush any enemies he faced. Eventually, however, Pegasus would play a role in Bellerophon’s downfall. After many great victories, the hero became convinced that he had earned a place among the gods and he urged his horse to fly to Mount Olympus.
What element was Pegasus most closely connected to?
Pegasus had the features of a common land animal and flew through the sky but the element he was most closely connected to, surprisingly, was water. Poseidon was the winged horse’s father. He was not just the god of the sea; he was also said to have created the first horses on land.
Where did Pegasus drink?
Following Polyidus’s instructions, Bellerophon found Pegasus drinking at the Pirene spring outside of Corinth. When the hero slipped Athena’s magical bridle onto the horse, it followed his instructions and allowed him to mount it. Pegasus flew his first rider to confront the Chimera.
Why did Zeus send a gadfly to sting Pegasus?
According to one, Zeus was so angered by the mortal’s arrogance that he sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus on the back. Like any horse, Pegasus bucked and reared when he was stung. Bellerophon was thrown from its back. Injured in the fall, he lived the rest of his life disabled and alone.
What is the most famous magical creature in Greek mythology?
Pegasus is one of the most famous magical creatures in mythology. The beautiful winged horse was a favorite subject of Greek artists and continues to be an often-used form today.
Who is the Greek horse?
Greek Mythology abounds with fantastic animals and creatures, and one of the most recognisable is Pegasus, the Winged Horse . Connected with the God Poseidon and the heroic Bellerophon, he appears on pottery and bronze works dating as far back as the 7th century BC. Read on to discover his legend ...
What is the symbol of Pegasus?
The symbol of Pegasus is an enduring one, and instantly recognizable. Pictured as a strong white stallion with wings, he is one of Greek Mythology's most beloved creatures. There are several different versions as to the origins of his birth. Often described as a child of Poseidon, he is said to have been born from the neck of the severed head of the Medusa, or a mix of the Medusa's blood and seafoam created by Poseidon. Whilst many people associated Pegasus with the legendary hero Perseus, he was in fact most strongly associated with a lesser-known Greek hero called Bellerophon.
Why was Pegasus born as a winged horse?
The myth says that he was born as a winged horse because his father Poseidon had the shape of horse when seducing Medusa. When Pegasus was born, a huge thunder with lightning pierced the sky, and that’s how his connections to the forces of skies were established.
Where was Pegasus raised?
Back to the aftermath of Pegasus’s birth. Parentless, he was raised by the Muses at Mount Helicon, where he was taken by goddess Athena. In all of his excitement for being given to those women, he was striking the side of the mountain with his hooves and his marks caused springs to turn into flowing fountains of inspiration.
How were Pegasus and Chrysaor born?
Pegasus and his brother Chrysaor were born from the blood of their beheaded mother Medusa, the gorgon tricked and killed by Perseus. A more detailed version of the myth said that two of them were born when Medusa’s blood mixed with the foam of the sea. The myth says that he was born as a winged horse because his father Poseidon had the shape ...
What is the name of the spring that he struck his hoof?
One of those sacred springs was the Hippocrene (meaning “horse spring”) on Mt Helicon.
Why did Zeus turn Pegasus into a constellation?
For his service and loyalty , Zeus honored him with a special immortality turning Pegasus into a constellation on the last day of his life.
What is the meaning of the winged horse?
From his birth to his death, he remained a mysterious creature capable of everything, symbolizing the divine inspiration or the journey to heaven, since riding him was synonymous to “flying” to ...
Who gave Perseus the horse?
But the most common version of the myth about him says that the goddess Athena tam ed the winged horse and gave him to Perseus, who later needed to fly far away to help his lover Andromeda.
Origins of Pegasus
Pegasus was the son of the god Poseidon, and the Gorgon Medusa. He sprung by his father's command from the blood of the Medusa's head. Some blood dropped into the sea's white foam, Pegasus arose and took the form of a horse because Poseidon had been in that shape at the time of his seduction of Medusa.
Bellerophon meets Pegasus
When he turned sixteen, the youth Bellerophon (the eventual rider of Pegasus) longed for daring adventures and set out to find them. Along his journey he met Proteus who pretended friendship but was insanely jealous of Bellerophon and sought to cause his death. Proteus was the son-in-law of Lobates, King of Lycia.
Who rides Pegasus to Marion's memorial?
Tim rides Pegasus to Marion's memorial. ( The Reckoning) Pegasus is out in the field with Daisy and Tango, when Daisy's diagnosed with Strangles. Ty puts him in the Quonset Hut with Daisy since they've been spending time together. After Tim 's upset about Pegasus being in the Quonset, Ty puts him back outside.
What does Amy think about Pegasus?
Amy starts to get worried about Pegasus and thinks he's depressed after losing Marion. When he stops eating Amy makes him a special treat and finally starts to eat better. ( After the Storm) Amy finds Pegasus down in his stall late at night so she calls Scott. When his physical tests come back normal Amy is sure he is depressed. When Marnie Gordon wears one of Marion's jackets Pegasus starts to smell her and begins to cheer up. ( Breaking Free)
What does Mindy tell Amy about Pegasus?
Scott checks him out and tells her that the younger horses are beating him to the hay so should feed him separate ly to build his weight back up . Mindy is insistent on riding him so asks Caleb to take her to Mustang Meadows. When Amy finds out she goes after them when paparazzi jump out taking pictures.Pegasus spooks and starts bolting. Scott checks him out when Ty notices him limping. Scott tells them that he has stone bruises and a chipped bone in his hock. He warns them that it can be serious at his age and suggests either medication or surgery. Amy looks after him and after a little while is told he won't need surgery. ( Starstruck!)
What does Tim do to Pegasus?
Pegasus takes a turn and Scott suggests putting him down, Tim refuses to give up on him. Tim tries to get Pegasus to eat, he thanks him for looking after the girls while he was away. When Pegasus continues to get worse, Amy, Lou and Tim comfort him as he passes. ( Quarantine)
Who is Tim's horse?
Pegasus is Tim 's horse. He rode Pegasus until the time of his rodeo accident. After Tim's accident, the vets wanted to put Pegasus down. Marion refused and helped him get better, with the help of Victor .
What season does Amy start to get worried about Pegasus?
Season 1. Amy starts to get worried about Pegasus and thinks he's depressed after losing Marion. When he stops eating Amy makes him a special treat and finally starts to eat better. ( After the Storm) Amy finds Pegasus down in his stall late at night so she calls Scott.
What is the name of the horse that was named after a Pegasus?
Famous Pegasus Names. If you are looking more to name your horse after a Pegasus that already had a name, here are some options from movies, mythology and literature. Pegasus – The original winged horse was named Pegasus. Bellerophon – Bellerophon wasn’t a Pegasus but he was the son of Poseidon who rode him.
What color are Pegasus horses?
Just like with any horse name, names for a Pegasus change with the seasons, especially when movies like Wonder Woman bring them back into our lives to remind us of our childhood dreams. When we think of Pegasus, we usually think of horses that are pure white or pure black though, if you use your imagination a Pegasus can be any color.
What is Rainbow Brite's horse's name?
In fact, my childhood idol, Rainbow Brite, had a majestic white Pegasus named Starlite. If you are looking for a name for your real horse, or a fictional one, that is perfectly suited for a Pegasus, we have you covered.
Who is the horse in Rainbow Brite?
Bellerophon – Bellerophon wasn’t a Pegasus but he was the son of Poseidon who rode him. Starlite – The famous horse of rainbow brite. Swiftwind – She’Ra’s horse, technically an Alicorn (winged unicorn) On-X – The black robotic flying horse from Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer.

Overview
PegaSUS (Greek: Πήγασος, Pḗgasos; Latin: Pegasus, Pegasos) is a mythical and it is a winged divine horse, and one of the most recognized creatures in Greek mythology. Usually he is depicted as pure white. Myths about him vary as the Greek myths evolve and reflect progression through successive generations of deities.
Etymology
The poet Hesiod presents a folk etymology of the name Pegasus as derived from πηγή pēgē 'spring, well', referring to "the pegai of Okeanos, where he was born".
A proposed etymology of the name is Luwian pihassas 'lightning', and Pihassassi, a local Luwian-Hittite name in southern Cilicia of a weather deity associated with thunder and lightning. The proponents of this etymology adduce the role of Pe…
Springs
According to early myths, everywhere the winged horse struck his hoof to the earth, an inspiring water spring burst forth. One of these springs was upon the Muses' Mount Helicon, the Hippocrene ("horse spring"). Antoninus Liberalis has suggested, that it was opened at the behest of Poseidon to prevent the mountain swelling with rapture at the song of the Muses. Another spring associated with Pegasus was at Troezen. Hesiod relates how Pegasus was peacefully drinking from a sprin…
Thunderbolts
Hesiod wrote that Pegasus carried thunderbolts for Zeus .
Birth
There are several versions of the birth of the winged stallion and his brother Chrysaor in the far distant place at the edge of Earth, Hesiod's "springs of Oceanus", which encircles the inhabited earth, where Perseus found Medusa:
One is that they sprang from the blood issuing from Medusa's neck as Perseus was beheading her, similar to the manner in which Athena was born from the head of Zeus after he swallowed her pr…
Bellerophon
Pegasus aided the hero Bellerophon in his fight against the Chimera. There are varying tales about how Bellerophon found Pegasus; the most common being that the hero was told by Polyeidos to sleep in the temple of Athena, where the goddess visited him in the night and presented him with a golden bridle. The next morning, still clutching the bridle, Bellerophon found Pegasus drinking at t…
Perseus
Michaud's Biographie universelle relates that when Pegasus was born, he flew to where thunder and lightning are released. Then, according to certain versions of the myth, Athena tamed him and gave him to Perseus, who flew to Ethiopia to help Andromeda.
Olympus
After Bellerophon fell off Pegasus while trying to reach Olympus, Pegasus and Athena left him and continued to Olympus where he was stabled with other steeds belonging to Zeus, and was given the task of carrying Zeus' thunderbolts, along with other members of his entourage, his attendants/handmaidens/shield bearers/shieldmaidens, Astrape and Bronte.
The Horse of The Waters
Pegasus and Bellerophon
- The most well known of the myths that feature Pegasus is that of Bellerophon. The hero had been born in Corinth, but exiled on charges of murder. The king of Tiryns took mercy on him and gave him refuge in his palace, but the handsome young man attracted the attention of the queen during his stay there. As an honorable man, Bellerophon rejected the queen’s advances. Out of spite, sh…
The Horses of Olympus
- Although Bellerophon had been thrown to the ground far below, either to his death or to years of suffering, Pegasus continued his journey to Mount Olympus. When he arrived, Zeus welcomed the immortal beast. Pegasus was taken to the stables of Olympus to live a comfortable life among the gods. When Pegasus arrived at Olympus, he joined a stable full of notable animals. In fact, th…
Pegasus in Art
- One of the reasons Pegasus remains such a well-known figure in Greek mythologyis because he was a favorite subject of the period’s artists. The exploits of the heroes were often illustrated in Greek pottery, mosaics, and frescos. The scene of Medusa’s death, including the birth of Pegasus, combined the favorite elements of a legendary hero and a terrible monster. The further adventur…
The Continuation of The Myth
- Pegasus continued to be as popular after the Greco-Roman era as he was during it. In heraldry, the winged horse was used as a symbol of physical and intellectual energy, and the use of that energy to move toward honor. Pegasus was commonly used as a crest in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Pegasus is today still seen on the coat of arms and flag of Tuscany. It was adopte…
Inspiration from Pegasus
- Through the streams he created, the Pegasus of myth was connected to the Muses. This group of demigoddesses inspired artists, poets, and musicians to create innovative works of beauty. Today, Pegasus continues to be linked to this spirit of beautiful innovation. Artists continue to find inspiration in the form of the flying horse. Whether in fine art or comic books, Pegasus continue…
The Winged Horse
The Myth of Bellerophon
- The hero Bellerophon is sometimes thought to be a forerunner of Hercules. Like his more famous counterpart, Bellerophon was instructed to serve a King who set him a series of impossible tasks to complete. One of these tasks was to kill a fearsome creature known as the Chimaera. This strange creature had a lion’s body, the tail of a snake, and the head of a goat sprouting from its b…
Pegasus and Bellerophon Meet
- Statue of Pegasus in Corinth - credits: Lydia-Vero/Shutterstock.com Understandably, Bellerophon was worried and concerned when he found out that he had to kill the Chimaera, and so he consulted a famous seer in Corinth called Polyidus. This wise seer said that Bellerophon should sleep in the Temple of Athena (thought to be the Parthenon in the Acropolisbut most likely to be …
Killing The Chimaera and Other Adventures
- Now that he was riding a winged horse that could fly, Bellerophon had an advantage over the Chimaera. Flying above the fearsome creature, he attacked it with his spear, eventually killing the beast. This success against such a monster encouraged Bellerophon to have more adventures with Pegasus, one of which even included a battle against the Amazons (similar to H…
Bellerophon Falls from Grace
- As he succeeded in each battle, so did Bellerophon's ego grow as well. Boasting that he could fly to the homes of the Gods themselves, he flew up on Pegasus in an attempt to enter Mount Olympus itself! On the way up though, Bellerophon was somehow thrown from the horse, and went crashing back to earth. Pegasus however, carried on flying upwards, where he eventually re…
Pegasus and Corinth
- Ancient Cornith - credits: Michal Durinik/Shutterstock.com The image of Pegasus appeared on both pottery and coins in ancient Corinth from about the 7th century BC onward. This is a good indicator that the Greek myth of the winged horse was even older than this by perhaps even hundreds of years. There are also two water sources or fountains in Corinth that are connected …
Greek Mythology Tours
- If you would like to find out more about Corinth, Pegasus and stories from ancient Greece, our Greek Mythology Tours are ideal. Each one has been put together in a way that both informs and engages. Our expert guides will show you around the most important sites in Greece, combining a tour of each with tales from Greek Mythology. For Percy Jackson fans there's an added twist as …