Bellerophon and Chimaera, Terracotta plaque from Melos, c.450 BC. In Greek mythology Bellerophon, the son of Poseidon, was the Corinthian hero who famously battled and killed the fantastical Chimera monster, a fearsome fire-breathing mix of lion, goat, and snake. Bellerophon is also noted for taming the winged horse Pegasus, a gift from his father. Other adventures include famous fights and victories over the warlike Solymoi, the Amazons, and Carian pirates - all tasks set him by Iobates, the king of Lycia. The hero then pushed his luck too far, and, riding Pegasus high in the sky in a vain and foolish attempt to join the gods on Mount Olympus, Bellerophon fell to the ground and was killed. British Museum.