The story of Phaeton cautions that the powers of nature are not to be transgressed. The sun (nature) is given human qualities but remains non-human (god). Phaeton (human) is related to nature but must never assume its powers.

Another headstrong young man demonstrated what the Greeks considered both the right and wrong demeanor: obtain the blessing and gifts of nature, but never forget your place.

Bellerophon, as was often the case with a hero, had a god for a parent. His greatest desire was to ride the magnificent winged horse named Pegasus, but he despaired of ever getting close to, much less capturing or taming, such an animal. One night Athena, the goddess of reason, appeared to him in a dream. "What man swears cannot be done, should not be hoped for. Power on high will place it in his hands with ease."

Bellerophon awoke to find a golden bridle lying at his feet. He took it to a meadow known to be a favorite of Pegasus, and there he found the wonderful winged horse, who trotted right up to the youth and was bridled and mounted without a struggle. Athena's charm had worked.

Horse and rider seemed a perfect match, and the two were a familiar sight in the sky. Many exciting and successful adventures took place, but unfortunately for Bellerophon, he was determined to be a god himself. One day he leaped onto Pegasus and dug in his stirrups. "To Olympus!" he cried, and urged the horse upward to the home of the gods. Pegasus was wiser, and for the first time would not obey. He threw his rider to the ground and flew way. Bellerophon, whose ambition had grown too great, wandered on foot for the rest of his days, avoiding the paths of mankind.

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Last modified: Tue Jul 1 15:45:52 PDT 1997

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