THE INTERPRETATION

Pegasus is a symbol of knowledge, glory, and inspiration. The winged creature is seen as the symbol for the immortality of the soul, and as the carrier and protector that guards the spirit in its journeys into the stars. Pegasus is also a symbol of turning evil around: he is able to correct a foolish endeavour brought on by Bellerophon. From the emergence of the Fountain of Hippocrene came forth the source of poetry and creative spirit to inspire the Muses. Today he is a symbol of strength, swiftness, and the special bond between a man or woman. Pegasus has shown to be the favorite horse from ancient times until the present.

The mating of Medusa and Poseidon as horses represent strength and sexuality. Horses are a recurring symbol in Greek mythology as heroic and loyal, displaying bravery and courage such as the hero's spirit. When Medusa is cursed by Athena, one might say she is set free from her punishment when Perseus slays her. Through flight, Pegasus symbolizes the ability of one to transcend the weight of earthly burdens and rise above them into the air. Medusa, who was once the most beautiful woman in the world is now freed from Athena's cruel punishment of turning her into a hideous monster.

Pegasus refused to allow Bellerophon, his overambitious rider, to reach the sacred land of the gods. The overzealous king foolishly disregarded Athena's warning that a human cannot recieve a wish without the gods' aid. He foolishly believed the achievement of his heroic feats was brought about by his own bravery, discounting any aid from the benevolent gods. Bellerophon was permitted to obtain the blessing and gifts of nature (from Athena), but he was never to forget his place. To show the extent of his power and to show how little it takes for a god to thwart a mortal, Zeus sent a small gadfly down to bite Pegasus. Bellerophon, whose ambition had grown too great and ultimately caused his demise, was thrown and wandered on foot for the rest of his days avoiding the paths of mankind. The fact that he was crippled implies that he could not advance very far in his life, walking in circles, as one does when a foot is afflicted. Everyone Bellerophon encountered respected the fundamental rule never to disobey the gods' and scorned the crippled outcast wherever he traveled. It is ironic that Bellerophon could not be satisfied when he already had fulfilled in his life what most people only dream of accomplishing. He even tamed Pegasus, who represents freedom of any type of restraint because his domain is the limitless expanse of the sky, where he flies without concern of fences or boundaries.

The transformation of Pegasus into the stars represents the evolution of change, a natural occurance in everyday life.

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