Pegasus, in Greek Mythology, a winged horse which arose with Chrysaor from the blood of the
Gorgon Medusa, when she was slain by Perseus. He is said to have received his name because he first made his appearance beside the springs (pēgai) of Oceanus. He afterwards ascended to heaven to carry the thunder and lightning of Zeus. Some later authors make him the horse of Eos. Bellerophon had in vain sought to catch Pegasus for his combat with the Chimæra, but at length was advised by the seer Polyidus of Corinth to sleep in the temple of Minerva. The goddess appeared to him in his sleep, and gave him a golden bridle with which he caught him, and by his aid overcame the Chimæra. Modern writers ignorant of mythology make Pegasus the horse of the Muses, with whom, however, he had nothing to do beyond having by a kick of his hoof made spring up the inspiring fountain of Hippocrene.