Bellérophon

Lully - Bellérophon - score, Paris 1679 - title page

Bellérophon is a figure from Greek mythology, renowned for his heroism and tragic story. He is best known for his conquest of the Chimera, a monstrous creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Bellérophon's tale is a classic example of the rise and fall of a hero, illustrating themes of hubris and divine retribution that are prevalent in ancient Greek literature and mythology.

Mythology

Bellérophon was the son of Glaucus, king of Corinth, and Eurynome, although some myths suggest he was the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea. His original name was Hipponous, but he adopted the name Bellérophon after accidentally killing his brother, Belleros. To purify himself of this crime, he fled to the court of King Proetus of Tiryns, where the queen falsely accused him of attempting to seduce her. King Proetus, unwilling to kill him due to the sacred laws of hospitality, sent Bellérophon to King Iobates of Lycia with a sealed message instructing Iobates to kill the bearer of the letter.

Upon his arrival in Lycia, King Iobates, also reluctant to violate the guest-host relationship, set Bellérophon on an impossible mission instead: to kill the Chimera. Bellérophon, with the help of the goddess Athena and the winged horse Pegasus, whom he tamed with a golden bridle given to him by Athena, successfully defeated the Chimera. Following this, Iobates set him on further dangerous tasks, all of which Bellérophon completed with distinction.

Despite his successes, Bellérophon's story ends in tragedy. Overcome with pride, he attempted to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, to join them. However, Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing Bellérophon to fall back to Earth. He spent the rest of his life wandering alone, shunned by the gods and mankind, as a lesson against the sin of hubris.

Cultural Impact

Bellérophon's story has had a significant impact on Western culture, inspiring various works of literature, art, and music over the centuries. His quest against the Chimera, in particular, symbolizes the battle against insurmountable odds and has been interpreted in various ways, from a metaphor for overcoming personal demons to the triumph of civilization over barbarism.

In Literature and Art

Bellérophon has been depicted in numerous ancient and modern works. In Homer's Iliad, his story is recounted to Diomedes, serving as a warning against pride. In the visual arts, Bellérophon's battle with the Chimera has been a popular subject, depicted in ancient vase paintings, sculptures, and coins, showcasing the hero's valor and the monster's ferocity.

See Also

• Greek Mythology
• Chimera (mythology)
• Pegasus
• Hero
• Hubris