Chimera in Greek Mythology

The Chimera is a hideous, fire-breathing monster, with the head of a lion, the head of a goat protruding from its back, and a serpent’s tail.

Chimera Greek Monster

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The Chimera was a hideous creature, the sister of Hydra and Cerberus. She ravaged the countryside of Lycia, burning everything in her wake and eating charred bits of innocent people, until King Iobates called on the hero Bellerophon to help them. Bellerophon went into the countryside and found a survivor who told him what the beast looked like. Then, he prayed to Athena, who told him that he first had to go and get the Pegasus before going after the Chimera. Bellerophon waited at the rock of Corinth for the horse and managed to catch him using a special bit and bridle that Athena gave him. He took the Pegasus back to the countryside, sweeping over mountains until he found the Chimera. He killed her with a spear as the Pegasus soared around her; her blood was green. Eventually, she became nothing more than a smoldering pile of goo. Bellerophon was later permanently maimed when he rode the Pegasus back to Olympus, and in his excitement, he reared back, throwing Bellerophon back to Earth.

Chimera is said in some versions of the myths to be the mother of the Sphinx; in other versions, they are sisters.

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Chimera Quick Reference

Parents

Typhon and Echinda

Attributes and Symbols

Fire-breathing, with the head of a lion, the body of a goat with the head of a goat protruding from its back, and a serpent’s tail

Notable Myths

• Bellerophon

Frequently Asked Questions about Chimera in Greek Mythology

What is a chimera in mythology?

A chimera is a mythical creature from ancient Greek mythology, often depicted with the body and head of a lion, a goat's head rising from its back, and a serpent for a tail. The chimera symbolizes the combination of different animals and is known for being fierce and fire-breathing.

How is the chimera represented in art and literature?

The chimera appears in ancient art, pottery, and literature as a fearsome monster. Artists often show it with three animal parts: lion, goat, and snake. In literature, it is featured in stories like Homer's Iliad and symbolizes impossible or fantastical ideas.

What does the word 'chimera' mean today?

Today, the term chimera can refer to anything made of different parts, especially in genetics or science. It also means an imagined or impossible idea, inspired by the mythical creature's mix of features.

Why is the chimera important in Greek mythology?

The chimera is important in Greek mythology because it represents chaos and danger. It is famously defeated by the hero Bellerophon, showcasing bravery and cleverness in mythological stories.

Are there real-life animals called chimeras?

In science, a chimera is an organism with cells from different sources, such as genetic chimeras in biology. There is also a real fish called the 'chimera' or 'ghost shark,' but it is named for its unusual appearance, not for being a mythical monster.