Pegasus and the Tragic Ascent

Shielded from the Gorgon's stone-cold gaze, Perseus ventured through the treacherous cave of Medusa. With a deep breath, he swiftly drew his sickle and severed her head, which birthed two remarkable offspring. One was Chrysaor, a towering figure wielding a golden sword, while the other was the majestic winged horse known as Pegasus. With unparalleled swiftness, Pegasus could shape mountains with the stomp of his hooves and conjure streams from dry rocks. No bridle could restrain him, until fate intervened.

In the Greek city-state of Corinth, Bellerophon, a prince driven by ambitious dreams, yearned to become a renowned hero worthy of ascending Mount Olympus. He believed that taming Pegasus would be his key to achieving such greatness. Seeking divine assistance, Bellerophon visited the temple of Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, and implored for the power to appease the mighty steed. To his astonishment, upon awakening, he discovered a magical golden bridle, a gift from the gods themselves.

Eager to harness Pegasus's power, Bellerophon hastened to the fountain from which the horse drank. Seizing the opportune moment, he leaped onto Pegasus's back and skillfully secured the bridle. At last, Pegasus was brought under his control. Convinced that he was on the path to becoming a legendary hero, Bellerophon dedicated himself to relentless training for battle. However, a tragic accident during a training session resulted in the mortally wounded Deliades, his own brother. Consumed by disgrace, Bellerophon was subsequently exiled to Argos, where King Proetus granted him purification.

Determined to restore his honor, Bellerophon faced yet another ordeal when the Queen of Argos made advances towards him. Rejecting her unwanted advances only worsened his situation, as she falsely accused him of attempting to seduce her, further tarnishing his reputation. Seeking revenge, King Proetus devised a cunning plan. He sent Bellerophon and Pegasus to the kingdom of Lycia, bearing a deceitful message to Iobates, the Lycian king. Unbeknownst to Bellerophon, the message contained a decree for his own demise.

Upon reading the decree, Iobates contemplated how to dispose of the young hero and chose the monstrous Chimera—a fire-breathing lion-goat-dragon that had plagued his kingdom—for the task. Undeterred by the danger, Bellerophon, fueled by his desire for greatness, eagerly accepted the challenge. Soaring through the skies on Pegasus's back, they confronted the Chimera, witnessing the devastation it had wrought upon its victims. Engaging in a daring aerial battle, Pegasus deftly evaded the Chimera's fiery assaults while Bellerophon unleashed his arrows. With a well-aimed strike, Bellerophon delivered a fatal blow, vanquishing the beast.

Iobates, astonished by Bellerophon's victory, realized he had underestimated the young hero's abilities. Determined to test him further, Iobates set forth a series of challenges, pitting Bellerophon against formidable warriors, skilled archers, and the finest soldiers of Lycia. In each encounter, Pegasus's immense power turned the tide in Bellerophon's favor. Unable to deny Bellerophon's heroic prowess any longer, Iobates conceded and even offered his daughter's hand in marriage. Yet, Bellerophon's ambition knew no bounds. He believed that his triumphs entitled him to a place among the gods on Mount Olympus.

Filled with hubris, Bellerophon urged Pegasus to ascend higher and higher, seeking the divine realm of Zeus. Observing this act of arrogance, Zeus decided to punish the ambitious youth. He unleashed a lone gadfly, which swiftly attacked Pegasus, causing the winged horse to flinch in pain. In that moment, Bellerophon was abruptly catapulted into the air, hurtling back towards the Earth. Meanwhile, with Zeus's blessing, Pegasus ascended to Mount Olympus, where the gods welcomed him and immortalized him in the form of a constellation. In the night sky, Pegasus continues to soar, forever liberated and unrestricted.

Henrik Leandro