Bellerophon
Bellerophon or Bellerophontes (Ancient Greek: Βελλεροφόν; Βελλεροφόντης; lit. "slayer of Belleros") or Hipponous (Ancient Greek: Ἱππονοος; lit. "horse-knower"), was a divine Corinthian hero of Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Eurynome, and the foster son of Glaukos. He was "the greatest hero and slayer of monsters, alongside Cadmus and Perseus, before the days of Heracles", among his greatest feats was killing the Chimera of the Iliad, a monster that Homer depicted with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail: "her breath came out in terrible blasts of burning flame."
| Bellerophon | |
|---|---|
Slayer of the Chimera Tamer of Pegasus | |
| Member of the Corinthian Royal Family | |
Statue of Bellerophon petting Pegasus, from Geyre, Turkey (1st century AD) | |
| Other names | Hipponous |
| Predecessor | Iobates |
| Successor | Hippolochus |
| Abode | Potniae, later Argos and Lycia |
| Symbols | Cape, Spear |
| Personal information | |
| Parents | Poseidon and Eurynome Glaucus and Eurymede |
| Siblings | Deliades |
| Consort | Philonoe Asteria |
| Offspring | Isander, Hippolochus and Laodamia Hydissos |
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Bellerophon was also known for capturing and taming the winged horse Pegasus with the help of Athena's charmed bridle, and earning the disfavour of the gods after attempting to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus.