Pegasus was said to have sprung from the blood of the Gorgon monster known as Medusa, after the hero Perseus slew her.
It was said that anywhere Pegasus’s hooves touched the ground, a fountain of fresh spring water would burst forth.
Pegasus is most often associated with the Greek hero Bellerophon. King Iobates tasked Bellerophon with defeating the monster called Chimera, and the hero asked the gods for their help. The goddess Athena gave Bellerophon a golden bridle, which he used to tame the legendary horse Pegasus.
Riding atop Pegasus, Bellerophon was able to defeat the Chimera, and they had many adventures together. However, Bellerophon eventually thought so highly of himself that he wanted to live among the gods on Mount Olympus. During his ride to the summit, Pegasus bucked him off, which (depending on the source) led either to the hero’s demise, or at least put an end to his heroic deeds.
Pegasus, however, continued on to Mount Olympus and was accepted by the gods. A constellation of stars was named in his honor, reflecting his status among the heavens.
