Tradition / Region: Greek Mythology
Alternative names: Pegasos
Category: Horse
The Myth
Pegasus is the famous winged horse of Greek mythology, usually depicted as a white stallion. He was sired by Poseidon in his role as the horse-god and was born together with his brother Chrysaor from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa after she was beheaded by Perseus. Some traditions instead state that the brothers arose when Medusa’s blood fell upon the earth, while others connect their birth to the mingling of her blood with sea foam.
After his birth, Pegasus flew to the heavens and became a servant of Zeus, carrying the god’s thunderbolts and thunder from Olympus.
Pegasus was also associated with miraculous springs. Wherever he struck the ground with his hoof, a spring burst forth. The most famous of these was Hippocrene on Mount Helicon, created by Pegasus’ hoof. Another sacred spring connected with him was located at Troezen.
The hero Bellerophon captured Pegasus near the spring of Peirene. Following Athena’s instructions, Bellerophon slept in her temple, where the goddess appeared in a dream and presented him with a golden bridle. The following morning he found Pegasus drinking at the spring and used the bridle to tame the winged horse with the help of Athena and Poseidon.
Mounted upon Pegasus, Bellerophon defeated the monstrous Chimera and accomplished many other heroic deeds. Eventually, however, he attempted to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus. For this act of pride he fell from the horse. Some traditions say that both Bellerophon and Pegasus died by the will of Zeus for attempting to reach Olympus, while others state that Pegasus alone continued to Olympus, where he remained in the service of Zeus, bearing his thunderbolts.
Pegasus was later honored as a constellation and became one of the most enduring figures of Greek mythology, frequently appearing in ancient Greek art and later Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Pegasus. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus