Heroes of Greek Mythology | Bellerophon
Bellerophon was one of the demi-god heroes of Greek mythology because he was the son of a mortal father, Glaucus of Corinth, and a god father, Poseidon. Sisyphus was Bellerophon's grandfather.
King Iobates of Lycia sent Bellerophon on a suicide quest, to destroy the fire-breathing monster known as the chimera. As tended to happen when kings in Greek mythology used monsters to do their dirty work, Iobates' plan failed. Instead, with the help of his winged horse, Pegasus, Bellerophon was able to complete the task safely. He then conquered the Solymi and the Amazons.
Upon Bellerophon's return to Lycia, Iobates gave him half his kingdom and his daughter.
In time, the gods and goddesses came to hate Bellerophon. According to Pindar this is because Bellerophon tried to use Pegasus to get to the home of the gods. Zeus drove the horse mad with a gadfly and so Bellerophon fell from it.
Bellerophon was honored as a hero in Corinth.
Also see:
A Goddess for Men
Amazons
The Lesser Share
