Resources for Literature:

Literary References to Pegasus

Pegasus’ heavenly flight was interpreted as an allegory of the soul’s immortality in late antiquity.  In modern times, the story has been used as a symbol of poetic inspiration.

Other Gods and Goddesses:

Pegasus depicted in John Flamsteed’s Atlas Caelestis (1729)

Pegasus

The offspring of the gorgon Medusa and the sea-god Poseidon, Pegasus was released from Medusa’s body when she was beheaded by Perseus.

The Corinthian hero, Bellerophon, captured Pegasus with a golden girdle he had been given by Athena.  Riding the horse, Bellerophon destroyed the monstrous Chimera, and was given Pegasus as a reward by the gods.

But when Bellerophon tried to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus, he was thrown off and killed or, in some accounts, lamed.  Pegasus continued his journey heavenwards, and became a constellation and Zeus’ servant.