Pegasus: The Winged Stallion

The Divine Steed

Pegasus is the archetype of the magical beast—pure, wild, and free. A stallion of distinct white coat with massive feathered wings, he is the Lord of the Sky. He is not a common animal species. He is a unique, divine individual. He cannot be tamed by force, rope, or whip. He can only be ridden by those favored by the gods.

Born from Death

Pegasus has a horrific origin. He was the child of Poseidon and Medusa (when she was human). He was trapped inside the Gorgon's body until her death. When Perseus severed Medusa's head, Pegasus sprang fully grown from her bleeding neck, ascending instantly to the heavens. He is beauty born from a beast.

The Hero's Mount

The hero Bellerophon sought to ride him. Using a golden bridle given by Athena, Bellerophon captured Pegasus while the horse drank at the Pirene fountain. Together, they became an unstoppable aerial cavalry. Their greatest feat was slaying the Chimera. Bellerophon circled above the fire-breathing monster, staying out of range of its flames, and killed it with arrows (and a spear tipped with lead).

The Fall of Icarus (Metaphor)

Bellerophon let success go to his head. He tried to fly Pegasus to Mount Olympus to join the gods. Zeus, offended by this hubris, sent a gadfly to sting the horse. Pegasus bucked. Bellerophon fell to earth, crippled and blinded. Pegasus continued upward, welcomed into the stables of Zeus. He carries the thunderbolts for the King of Gods.

The Final Warning

Pegasus is not a pet; he is the horsepower of the gods. He represents the intoxicating danger of the sky. If you are lucky enough to touch the divine, remember that you do not own it. You are a passenger on a force of nature. If you get arrogant, the fall will break you, so hold on tight.