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Φτερωτά άλογα writing the name of winged horses in Greekwriting the name of winged horses in Greekwriting the name of winged horses in Greekwriting the name of winged horses in Greek
In JK Rowling's book "Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them" winged horses in the world of Harry Potter it says the following:
There, according to the Classification of the Ministry of Magic, winged horses receive a danger class from XX (harmless, can be tamed) to XXXX (dangerous, only an experienced wizard can handle them, special knowledge is required).
Breeds of winged horses:
| Beetroot | a creature from the Islamic religious tradition on which the Prophet carried out isra * to Jerusalem |
| Guhyaki | half-horse, half-bird Hindu mythology |
| Pegasus | in Greek mythology and medieval heraldry, a snow-white winged horse |
| Sleipnir | in Scandinavian mythology, the eight-legged horse of the supreme ace god Odin |
Subclass: flying
Origin: Ancient Greece
Habitats: alpine meadows
Etymology of the name:
Hesiod connects the name of Pegasus with the Greek pegai - source, well. However, it can also be correlated with the Luwian pihassas - lightning. Perhaps that is why he became the bearer of lightning for the thunderer Zeus.
Description:
Pegasus is one of the most famous magical animals - a symbol of inspired poetic creativity. This understanding of this animal became widespread only in modern times, namely after becoming acquainted with the ancient myth, according to which a wonderful horse, with the blow of its hoof, opened the source of Hippocrene on the mountain of the muses Helikon. Symbolically, it combines the vitality and strength of the horse with a bird-like liberation from earthly heaviness, which suggests an association with the frantic spirit of the poet, overcoming earthly obstacles.
Winged magical horses (horses) are found in many fairy tales ancient world. In Asia Minor, the winged horse was revered as the embodiment of the deity of the sky and weather. The image of a heavenly horse exists in many cultures of the world and is associated with the cult of the sun: heavenly horses carry a solar chariot across the sky (similar ideas existed in the Middle East, in Ancient Greece, Scandinavia). However, these horses did not have wings; Obviously, this element of the image was added later (the wings act as a universal image of belonging to the heavenly space and, in accordance with the symbolism of the top, to the spiritual sphere). In medieval legends there is a common image winged horse hippogriff, which symbolizes the uplifting power of the spirit. The image of Pegasus illustrates the positive aspect of the horse (horse), whose image, on the other hand, could also take on sinister features.
Ancient Greece
Birth
Mythologists consider the winged creature as a water horse from Poseidon’s retinue or also as a heavenly lightning horse ridden by Zeus.
According to one version, he was born by the gorgon Medusa from Poseidon. According to another, he jumped out of Medusa’s body along with his warrior brother Chrysaor, after Perseus cut off her head. According to some versions, he was born from the blood of Medusa that fell on earth. By latest version was born from the waters of the ocean like Aphrodite.
Since the horse was born at the source of the Ocean, it was named Pegasus (Greek for “stormy current”). He flew with the speed of the wind. According to legend, he had a stable in Corinth; lived in the mountains, spending most of his time on Parnassus in Phocis and Helicon in Boeotia.
Pedigree:
Sources:
Everywhere where the pegasus beat the ground with its hooves, springs appeared. So Mount Helicon, delighted by the singing of the Muses, began to grow to the sky, until, by the will of Poseidon, Pegasus hit its peak with his hoof and stopped the growth and opened the source to Hippocrene.
Bellerophon:
According to one story, Poseidon gave Pegasus to his son Bellerophon. According to another version, Bellerophon caught him at a watering place at the source of Pirene, after Athena promised him a horse in a dream and gave him a golden bridle, and he erected an altar to Athena the Horseman, Athena Halinitis. Thanks to Pegasus, Bellerophon was able to hit the Chimera with a bow from the air (other myths attribute this feat to Perseus). Pegasus helped the hero in other exploits until he set out to reach the sky on a winged horse (according to other versions, to fly to Olympus). Angered by Bellerophon's sacrilege, Zeus sent a gadfly (or horsefly), which stung Pegasus under the tail. The horse went mad with pain and threw Bellerophon down. Zeus gave Pegasus to Eos.
According to another story, Bellerophon tried to fly up into the sky, but looked down and fell out of fear, while Pegasus continued his flight, leaving Bellerophon to wander in sadness, hated by the gods. Pegasus took refuge in the stables of Olympus, and Zeus entrusted him with carrying his lightning.
Perseus:
Immediately after his birth, Pegasus rushed to the place where thunder and lightning are born. According to some versions of the myth, Athena tamed him and gave him to Perseus, who flew on him to Ethiopia to help Andromeda. Pegasus is a later addition to the Perseus myth, as he originally used the winged sandals he received from Hermes.
Pegasus as a type of magical animal:
Description:
In literature it is customary to describe it as follows: “His fur is white as snow, his magical flowing mane is as light as feathers. Eyes... even more beautiful and sad than those of a horse. The body is slender, the gait is graceful and light. The hooves, which are usually not cloven, may be golden in color. This is such a dear and familiar creature, like a horse, only with the ability to fly! A pegasus may have a horn, like a unicorn. Pegasi and unicorns are creatures similar to each other. It’s just that some have wings, others have a horn.”
Although in fact they come in any color that is inherent in horses, but the most common are white. Pegasi have powerful wings, with the help of which they can move over considerable distances (up to 1500 km per day). Pegasus is a rather large creature - about 165 cm at the withers, but there are also peculiar ponies, up to 1 meter.
Lifestyle:
They live in high mountain meadows and wide fields and love spacious open spaces. They feed on young grass and tree leaves. Occasionally add berries to your diet. In the spring, around the end of May, pegasi have mating season. Males fight for the right to own a female. They fly at each other in the air and hit each other with their hooves with all their might. Sometimes such battles end in the death of one of the males. The mare carries the baby for about 10 months. Pegasuses give birth to one, extremely rarely, two foals. During gestation, the female Pegasus finds a secluded, hard-to-reach place, hidden from unwanted eyes. During this period, she rarely takes to the air, only in case of emergency. Her weight increases noticeably and she cannot stay in the air for a long time. The first year of a foal's life with its mother spends on the ground, during which time they are very vulnerable. The foal feeds on its mother's milk and cannot fly, since its wings have not yet formed and are too weak. When a foal reaches two years of age, it begins to develop wings and try to fly. Running up, he straightens them and tries to push off from the ground as hard as possible, but, as a rule, the first attempts end in failure, and he falls head over heels to the ground. When the foal finally takes off, the mother relentlessly flies after him, so that in case of an unexpected fall she will always catch him.
It should be noted that injuries to the legs and wings are not uncommon among Pegasus. If a Winged Horse breaks a leg, and it does not heal correctly, then this is not considered a serious injury to the animal, and it continues to live peacefully... If it breaks a WING, and the fracture does not heal correctly, and therefore, the animal will never again cannot rise into the air, it prefers to throw itself off a cliff. Which shows the crazy love for flight and freedom of these animals.
Taming Pegasus:
Pegasus can be tamed naturally only if it is raised in captivity from a young age (up to 1 year of age). Such a pegasus will be completely devoted to its owner. In these cases, Pegasi are very loyal and intelligent creatures. Wild Pegasi are freedom-loving creatures and almost never submit to the will of others. A wild pegasus never allows a person to approach it, and occasionally it can allow a child to approach. If you approach a pegasus and see that he has his ears covered or is looking at you askance without turning his head, then it is best to move away, this means that he does not like you. For a pegasus to trust you, you need to put your hand on its neck and stroke it; the pegasus can determine your intentions through skin contact.
There are magical ways to tame, or better yet, curb Pegasus with the help of the Golden Bridle or the Hoop of Slavery. The Golden Bridle consists of a weave of many thin golden threads with the imposition of a Pacifying Spell. The Circlet of Slavery is a belt made of dragon leather with three shards of the Namid Stone attached to it. The creature on whose neck this Hoop is placed subordinates its will to the one who holds the fourth fragment of Namid in his hands. All four pieces of Namid are interconnected. With this method, Pegasus's will is suppressed, his mind is turned off, and he becomes just a means of transportation. For him, it makes no difference who flies on it, who has the fourth stone is the owner.
Magic properties:
The mane of the pegasus contains great magical power. If you tie a feather from the wing of a black griffin and a nettle leaf with hair from the mane, the resulting amulet will cause everything it touches to levitate. Next, a bunch of hair from the mane of a 3-5 year old black pegasus, dipped in spring water, transforms it into a strong sleeping potion. And the milk of a nursing female pegasus is a powerful means of restoring strength.
Muggles and Pegasi:
It has been established that Muggles can see Pegasus in the form of a fuzzy silhouette in the clouds, but most often they do not believe what they see.
Varieties:
There are many different breeds, including the Abracan (palomino, exceptionally powerful and large), the Efon (chestnut, popular in Britain and Ireland), the Gran (gray and very fast) and the rare Thestric (black, has the ability to turn invisible and is considered by many to be wizards, bringing misfortune).
Pegasus in culture and history:
There were statues of him in Corinth. The Templars placed it on their coat of arms; it symbolized eloquence, glory and contemplation. According to scientists of the 19th century, Pegasus, born from a deadly monster at the end of the world and ascended to the sparkling peaks of Olympus, is a symbol of the connection of all living things. The winged horse is a symbol of Chrysostom; it is present on the coat of arms and flag of the city. During the Second World War, Pegasus, with Bellerophon on its back, was adopted as the insignia of the British airborne troops; nowadays used to refer to air transport and speed.
Pegasus in astrology:
The ancient Roman astrologer Manilius points out that people born at the time of the rising of the constellation Pegasus are endowed with speed of movement and the ability to perform any work. “Some will make the horse turn quickly when, sitting on its back, they will strike from a height, fighting - commanders and warriors, at the same time. Others, shortening the stages, will rush so fast that their legs will not be visible, and the ground will seem to disappear. Who will it rush across the world faster with the news, will it more easily reach the ends of the earth? In addition, those born under this constellation “will use healing juice to heal the wounds of animals, know herbs useful to animals and humans.” According to Ptolemy, the bright stars are in the constellation Pegasus. in astrological influence they are similar to Mars and Mercury.
The winged horse Pegasus has ancient origins, but in the modern world of speed and technology, symbolism with its image is very popular. Let us reveal the meaning of this unearthly creature, which, centuries later, continues to excite people’s imagination.
Pegasus is a symbol of freedom of spirit
Look: over there, on that rock - Pegasus! Yes, this is it, shining and stormy! Salute these mountains. The day has gone out, but the night is gone... Greet the purple hour. Above the steep slope, a huge white horse, like a swan, splashes its white wings - and then it soars, and silver fire splashes in the clouds over the rocks. He hit them, burned through one, then another, and disappeared in a frenzied purple. Night has come. There is no world, no heaven, everything is just night. Greet the naked night. Take a closer look at it: recognize the steep hoof print in the star that fell silently. And the Milky Way floats above the darkness like an airy, flowing mane. (Vladimir Nabokov)
Where does Pegasus come from?
The homeland of Pegasus is Ancient Greece. There are two versions of how this mythical horse appeared.
According to the first version, he was born from the body of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus cut off her head.
According to the second, Pegasus appeared from the drops of blood of a jellyfish on the seashore, and that is why his name means “stormy stream.”
The death of jellyfish and the birth of pegasus. Edward Coley Burne-Jones (Perseus Series).
There is also a version that the name of Pegasus comes from the color of the suit “piebald”, but the classic image mythical horse- white. However, over time, artists depicted pegasi of all kinds.
The freedom-loving pegasus did not recognize saddles or riders, but a couple of heroes managed to accomplish a number of feats riding on it. The same Perseus saved Andromeda, who was designated as a victim to a sea monster and chained to a rock, riding on a pegasus, which was reflected in the paintings of artists of the Middle and later centuries.
Pegasus piebald. Painting "Perseus and Andromeda", Peter Paul Rubens
Pegasus is a symbol of the superiority of the spiritual over the material
Pegasus, which is basically a horse, is endowed with its symbolism, such as power, strength and speed. At the same time, Pegasus is the owner of wings, with the help of which it can rise high into the sky, and this gives it the symbolism inherent in a bird, indicating freedom and overcoming gravity.
Pegasus symbolically combines the power of a horse and the victory of a bird over gravity
The sky traditionally symbolizes the spiritual, the soaring of the spirit, its high urges.
Thus, Pegasus symbolizes the victory of the heavenly over the earthly, and, accordingly, the spiritual over the material.
Initially, the image of a white horse, formed in mythology, also indicates the purity of the aspirations of the soul.
Pegasus can also represent noble strength, wisdom, justice and divine providence.
Pegasus is a symbol of the victory of the spiritual over the material
Pegasus is a symbol of creativity and inspiration
Pegasus, according to ancient Greek myths, was the favorite of the muses. In the Grove of the Muses, hitting the rock with his hoof, he knocked out the source of inspiration. And since then, Pegasus has been firmly associated with the creativity and inspiration of poets, artists, as well as other representatives of creative and non-creative professions. The expression “riding Pegasus” means to catch inspiration.
“Riding Pegasus” means catching your inspiration. Edward Robert Hughes, Valkyrie
As follows from the myths of Hellas, riding a Pegasus is not easy. Therefore, an association is possible with the fact that the inspiration it brings is capricious and fickle; not everyone is lucky enough to experience it. However, if you are disciplined in matters of creative work, be it writing texts, music or paintings, and just do the job, then Pegasus will come to the rescue, and then the appearance of masterpieces, small and large, will certainly happen.
In addition, Pegasus is a symbol of oratory and eloquence, reason and science.
In general, Pegasus, symbolically combining the energy and strength of a horse with the ability of a bird to free itself from earthly heaviness, personifies the frantic spirit of the poet, overcoming earthly and material obstacles.
Pegasus symbolizes the spirit of the poet seeking and overcoming everyday life. Painting “Pegasus”, Kinuko Craft
Pegasus as a symbol of speed
Pegasus, flying in the sky at the speed of the wind, enhances the positive symbolism of an ordinary horse - a faithful companion and assistant to a person, and therefore its image is often used in the modern world on logos and emblems.
At the same time, the image of Pegasus is popular among companies with very different areas of activity: from transportation to hotels and literary societies.
Pegasus in the logos of various companies
The modern world values power, strength, and speed. At the same time, Pegasus is a symbol of beauty and magic. And no matter how they develop modern technologies and production is rapidly fast, yet beauty will save the world. What Pegasus does not forget to remind you about - magic horse with wings - from logos developed by designers who are not at all alien to the sense of beauty.
Pegasus is a symbol of speed, beauty and magic
Ever since man raised his eyes to the sky, he has always wanted to fly. It would be better to do it yourself, of course. But if you can’t do it yourself, then okay, with someone’s help. There are plenty of winged creatures of different types in mythology. It is better not to try to ride most of them, but there are also some that seem suitable for the role of a steed. Winged horses - first of all.
A boy from a good family
It was a snow-white horse with a proudly arched neck, covered with a mane like the dawn, sparkling like the stars themselves, and with eyes that could be red like a fierce flame, or soft and gentle like a baby's. God, a man could die seeing Pegasus and still consider himself lucky. And those wings! They started from the shoulder blades - white, like the feathers of a heron, majestic and glistening in the sun.
Pegasus flew in circles. He first sank, then soared upward in fear, white against the blue background, until he finally landed near a puddle - as light as a sparrow - folded his large wings and hit the ground with his hooves.
Daddy Poseidon told the children to stick together - at least these two of his fifteen hundred offspring.
The ancient Greek Pegasus, according to the most common version, was the son of Poseidon and the gorgon Medusa. An unexpected genetic result, especially considering that Chrysaor, who was born with him, turned out to be a man, and even with a sword in his hands. It is better to omit the bloody details of their birth. The god of the seas, Poseidon, patronized horse breeding and had the nickname Hippias (Equestrian). Sea waves with crests of foam are his white-maned horses. However, Pegasus, born at the source of the Ocean, although he received a water name (Pegasos - from the Greek “stormy current”), did not join the sea herd of his parent. Air became his element.
Pegasus flew with the speed of the wind and preferred to spend time on the tops of mountains. He especially fell in love with Parnassus and Helikon, the abode of the muses. With a blow of his hoof, Pegasus could knock out a source from a stone. This is how the spring of Hippocrene (Horse Spring) appeared on Helikon, where poets drew inspiration. Pegasus became a symbol of the free flight of creative thought, but he kept company not only and not so much with the muses.
At one time, the winged horse was the mount of the hero Bellerophon. They still argue how exactly the hero acquired an exclusive means of transportation - some say that Athena gave him a golden bridle, and Bellerophon waylaid Pegasus at a watering hole and reined him in. Others swear that it was Daddy Poseidon who told the children to stick together - at least these two of his one and a half hundred offspring. In general, for some time Bellerophon flew on Pegasus and performed feats, even defeating the three-headed Chimera. It is unknown whether the glory turned Pegasus's head, but the rider certainly suffered.
By the will of Zeus, 166 stars went to Pegasus, which can be seen with the naked eye.
In the end, the hero decided to go to the gods on Olympus, and he sent his winged horse upward. The angry Zeus sent a biting fly to Pegasus, the horse bucked, the blasphemous Bellerophon could not resist, and his further fate was either simply sad, or sad and very short. The orphaned Pegasus reached Olympus and was assigned to the task of delivering thunder and lightning to Zeus from the forge of Hephaestus. Take a closer look at the thundercloud, is it a winged horse?
Among the stars
“There is no return for me without Happiness!
No return!..” And I saw
Japanes: like a white cloud,
The horse flew towards him with wings,
He flew up and stood side by side...
Adyghe epic, “The Tale of Dahanago”
Like many characters ancient greek mythology, Pegasus eventually found its way onto the pages of star atlases. For all its virtues, the winged horse was not immortal. It is known from reliable sources that on the last day of his life, Zeus turned Pegasus into a constellation.
The constellation Pegasus is one of 88 constellations of the modern, finally approved list, where only 47 coincide with the ancient ones, known to our civilization for several millennia. The Babylonians called it “Horse”, the ancient Greeks and Arabs called it “Big Horse”. This Northern Hemisphere constellation is best observed from August to October. Look for Pegasus on a summer evening above the eastern horizon. In autumn the constellation rises higher. It is usually found as a continuation of the chain of Andromeda stars to the west.
By the will of Zeus, 166 stars went to Pegasus, which can be seen with the naked eye. The brightest are Markab (Arabic for “saddle” or “cart”), Enif (“nose”), Sheat (“shoulder”), Algenib (“horse navel”). But in 1928, scientists took the star Alfenaz from Pegasus and gave it to Andromeda. “All evil comes from women,” Zeus probably thought.
In ancient atlases, the heavenly horse is depicted upside down, as if emerging from the ocean. His neck and head are a chain of stars from southwestern Markab to Enif. The two chains of stars radiating from Sheat are his front legs.
Pegasus's closest neighbors, in addition to Andromeda, are the constellations Pisces, Aquarius, Little Horse, Dolphin, Chanterelle, Swan and Lizard.
Friends and relatives
- Tell me, have you ever heard of Pegasus?
- No. Who is this?
- Just a horse with wings. It seems that he lives on the mountain, or at least comes down from there from time to time.
“I’ve heard about unicorns,” Tante Roush said doubtfully, shaking her head. “A horse may grow horns, but probably not wings.” Why does he need them?
Henry Kuttner, Catherine Moore, Pegasus
But really, why does a horse need wings? To fly, of course. “My dashing horse, my faithful horse! fly like an arrow! Hurry, hurry!..."(A.S. Pushkin)
State emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The horse made a rider out of a man, a chevalier out of a commoner, and a cavalry out of infantry. Victory and life depended on her speed. “Fly like the wind”, “fly like a bird”... from these calls there is only one step to the dream of a winged horse. It is not surprising that it is found in the legends of any people who have tamed a horse.
Merani- the winged horse of Georgian mythology, overtaking the wind. His name, like the name of Pegasus, became a household name. Burdo-vals- horses from the legends of the Kama region, which at night become winged, but no one should see their wings. One day the owner forgot to warn the Burdo-Vals about his approach with a whistle, entered the stable - and their wings disappeared, the Burdo-Vals became ordinary horses. Bashkir winged horse tulpar(tolpar) is the best assistant of the batyr, he flies through the air, sends wind and lightning, knows the languages of animals and people. Tulpara should not be shown to strangers; the magic horse is afraid of the evil eye. But its wings, again, should not be seen even by the owner, and the horse spreads them only in the dark. On the coat of arms of Kazakhstan there are two tulpars, and they are not only winged, but also horned, that is, one-horned.
Koreans know a winged horse named Chollima, “capable of covering a thousand li a day.” He did not find a worthy rider on earth, so Chollima flew into the sky. A magic horse must first be tamed - for example, one born in the sea Kurkik Jalali from the Armenian epic “David of Sassoun” lifted the hero to the very sun so that the burning rays would destroy him, and only, completely exhausted, surrendered and became faithful assistant. Al-Buraq(“shining”) is a white horse with long ears and wings on its legs, on which the Muslim prophet Muhammad flew to the seventh heaven. There is another portrait of Burak - in the form white horse with wings, a human face, donkey ears and a peacock tail.
They also had long ears Little Humpbacked Horse, but there were no wings, he flew just like that.
The winged horse of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang, according to legend, galloped more than 6,000 kilometers in one day - marking the entire Great Wall of China. Where the horse's hooves touched the ground, watchtowers appeared. The ruler of the legendary Shambhala also has a supernatural flying horse. This is the feature that distinguishes the savior of the world Kalki avatar from other incarnations of Vishnu, and Indian art depicts him either with a white winged horse or with a horse's head.
Hindu mythology describes Indra's steed, named Uchchaikhshravas, is a flying, but not winged, white horse with seven heads and a black tail.
Among the Scandinavians, the most famous horse that can gallop through the air is, of course, Sleipnir(“sliding”), the steed of the god Odin. He was given birth to by the god Loki, who turned into a mare for the sake of a holy cause. Sleipnir is an eight-legged gray stallion, fast as the wind.
The Valkyries, the maidens who soar over the battlefield as part of their duty, were also provided with flying horses.
Among the descendants or relatives of Pegasus, a creature has been spotted, about which it is known exactly what it looks like, but it is not very clear which family it belongs to. A horse with wings and a single horn - who is he, a winged unicorn or a horned pegasus? It seems that this hybrid has emerged as a stable breed in our time. Some sources call it alicorn, although previously the name “alicorn” was used only for the unicorn horn as an independent object with magical properties. His names are also pelicorn, sigma and simply uni. They say it responds.
White horse, one piece
I ran straight through holes and ravines, skirting hills where I could be seen. The stomping sounded now closer, now further, now to the left, now to the right. There was no time to look back, but I still looked out of the bushes. They, people of the wild hunt, flew after me in the milky low fog. Their horses stretched out in the air, their riders sat motionless, the heather rang under their hooves. And above them, in a patch of clear sky, a single sharp star burned.
Vladimir Korotkevich, “The Wild Hunt of King Stakh”
Ancient Greek, Slavic, Mongolian, Indian sources, sacred texts of Buddhism and Christianity unanimously repeat: the flying horse is white! Why is this so? The white color of an animal is the color of a creature that has lost its corporeality, a symbol of the other world. White horses were chosen for sacrifice. On a white horse, the god of luck Sulde invisibly accompanied the Mongol-Tatar army on a campaign. The sacred white horse lived at the temple of the Slavic god Svyatovit, and before the start of a military campaign, fortune telling was carried out - they brought the horse to spears placed in a special way and saw whether he would step over them with his left foot or his right. Horses serve as guides to the afterlife. This is especially true for white horses, and even more so for winged ones.
They symbolize the sun; in the pagan myths of many nations, it is horses that drag the sun across the sky in a heavenly chariot - someone has to carry it there! And just as the sun passes in its movement through the day and night half of the world, through the kingdom of the living and the kingdom of the dead, so the horse is able to carry its rider through the worlds. Actually, Pegasus is always snow-white, with white wings. But sometimes his wings are gilded - apparently in memory of how he carried Eos, the goddess of the dawn, across the sky.
The white suit of the horse has dual symbolism. On the one hand, it is a “good” color, in contrast to which there is a “bad” color - black. In this sense, white means light, sunny, daytime, related to life. On the other hand, white as the absence of color, “pale” is a sign of death. Of the four horsemen who herald the end of the world in Apocalypse, two ride white horses. “I looked, and behold, a white horse, and his rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him; and he came out victorious, and to conquer.”- this is what the first of them looks like. Not the most optimistic figure, but another one is even worse: “The horse is pale, and its rider whose name is death; and hell followed him, and power was given to him over the fourth part of the earth - to kill with the sword and hunger and pestilence and the beasts of the earth.”
These white flying horses are very, very different!
Herds of Pegasus
“A herd of winged mules, about sixty in number, was waiting for us on the shore. Their wings are similar to those of a swan. They are called pegasi.
“Pegasus...” the learned bishop said thoughtfully. - Information about this has reached us from the ancient Greeks. It appears that the Greeks actually knew Ophir.
Karel Capek, "Ophir"
The bluish-ghostly horse, which leaves a trail of stars in the sky, was so popular with players that during the first hours of sales, the servers could not cope with the load.
It is difficult to keep track of when the proper name “Pegasus” became a common noun denoting any winged horse. Perhaps even during the time of Pliny the Elder and his Natural History. However, herds of pegasi came out to graze only thanks to Dungeons & Dragons. They appeared in the very first edition of D&D in 1974.
And pegasus experts immediately noticed features in them that had not previously been seen in winged horses. Firstly, they have feathers not only on their wings, but also near their hooves. Apparently, the winged sandals of Hermes do not allow someone to sleep. But this is not enough: the mane and tail are also made of feathers, not hair. And most importantly, they lay eggs like birds, and do not give birth to live foals at all! Would you trust a horse to hatch eggs?!
It's not easy to tame a wayward pegasus; your best bet is to get the egg and deal with the foal as soon as it hatches - literally ab ovo. Training a Pegasus takes six weeks and requires a special saddle, but the benefits of an air steed cannot be overestimated. Yes, it is important to take care of your moral character, otherwise all the tricks are in vain - the pegasus will serve only those who are on the side of good or, in extreme cases, neutral.
Pegasus in Dungeons & Dragons
They live, according to the same source, in temperate forests, found either singly or in pairs, or in herds of 6-10 animals. A typical pegasus is approximately 1.8 meters tall at the withers, weighs between 590 and 815 kg and has a wingspan of 4.6 to 7.6 meters. Their bones are partially hollow, like a bird. Metabolism is special, magical; a special organ allows you to accumulate mana and perform magical actions. Pegasi do not speak human speech, but they understand the universal language. Smells pleasantly like ozone. The Monster Manual provides the player with all the details about the nature and characteristics of the air steed - the D&D rulebook is much more meticulous than Pliny. Those interested can purchase a Pegasus egg for 2000 gold. And sit it out.
The turn-based strategy pegasi were numerous Heroes of Might and Magic III, of which five were born every week from the Magic Spring in Rampart Castle, immediately with riders on their backs. Very useful fighters mid-level - they fly, they have speed 8, and they force the enemy hero to spend more mana. The silver pegasi from the improved Magic Waterfall are especially good - thanks to speed 12, the hero with a squad of only silver pegasi rushed around the map very quickly. On golden dragons, of course, it’s even faster, who can argue... but we still have to wait until the construction of the Dragon Rocks. Alas, in the fourth part of the game the pegasi disappeared and were not reborn in the fifth. Their related unicorns turned out to be much more tenacious.
To see the beauty of Cyrodiil from a horse's height, you must first get to the "Pegasus Site" west of Cheydinal.
A whole herd thestrals(or thestrals, depending on the interpretation of English translators thestrals) was started at Hogwarts by Harry Potter's great friend Hagrid. These are huge winged horses, more like skeletons of horses, covered with black skin; they have fanged, dragon-like faces and huge webbed wings. Thestrals are carnivorous and are attracted to the smell of blood and fresh meat. Thestrals can only be seen by those who have witnessed someone's death and become aware of that death. Because of this, and also because of the gloomy appearance Thestrals have a bad reputation and are superstitiously considered harbingers of misfortune. In fact, they are fast, hardy and intelligent animals that can be tamed. At the beginning academic year they carry carriages with high school students from the station to Hogwarts and also transport cargo. You can also fly on horseback, which is what Harry Potter does in the fifth book.
But the Beauxbatons delegation in J. Rowling’s fourth book, as well as in the film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” arrives in a carriage drawn through the air by winged horses with white manes, each the size of an elephant - pegasus like pegasi, only hefty. They only drink barley whiskey... apparently, the brand " White horse».
Still from the film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
Horse for a hero
We were born to make a fairy tale come true,
Overcome space and space,
The mind gave us steel wings,
And instead of a heart there is a fiery motor.
Pavel German, "March of Stalin's aviation"
And yet, Pegasus is not a herd animal, no matter what the creators of D&D and their followers in games and literature think about this. The winged horse feels best in the role of a beloved and unique steed. Of course, heroes can also wander around the game world in herds... um... I mean, in large quantities, and everyone has their own favorite unique horse, but, you see, there is a difference.
Winged horse Nepobe-
dim, World of Warcraft
Selling the “Celestial Steed” in the world of MMORPG World of Warcraft Just twenty euros per virtual animal brought Blizzard millions of cash. The bluish-ghostly horse, leaving behind a star trail in the sky, was so popular with players that during the first hours of sales, the servers could not cope with the load and queues formed for purchases. A person wants to fly over the world on a personal horse, and that’s it! Half a kingdom for a horse!
And it’s even more pleasant to ride not a purchased mount, but a winged skeletal stallion named Invincible. This is the horse of Prince Arthas, who died and was raised from the dead, and to get it, you need to fight the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel.
If the game world is beautiful and expansive, flying mounts just beg to be there. One of the most successful, according to many players, plugin for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion- the one that adds a winged horse. To see the beauty of Cyrodiil from a horse's height, you must first get to the "Pegasus Site" west of Cheydinal, just north of the Blue Road, and fight the minotaur guards. Pegasus can rise to any height, he is stronger, faster and healthier than other horses.
Pegasus is also destined for the hero in the adventure role-playing game “King’s Bounty: Princess in Armor” - more precisely, it is possible to transform an ordinary horse into a flying one. In short, the winged horse will not be forgotten as a personal steed.
It is strange that the mystical symbolism of the horse, especially its dark side, turned out to be much less popular in games. Only here and there are motives found Wild Hunt- V The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, for example, or in "The Witcher". And the fighting qualities of the pegasi are somehow unconvincing. For some reason, its relative, the unicorn, is often portrayed in games as a ferocious beast and an excellent fighter, not to mention magical skills, while the pegasus is portrayed as a kind of meek beast, capable only of soaring romantically with its wings outstretched.
Oh, it was in vain that the ancient Greek Pegasus favored the poets; they failed to draw his true appearance! Remember where it all began! Pegasus is the horse of the hero Bellerophon, who without him would hardly have accomplished so many feats, and certainly would not have defeated the Chimera. A predatory stallion fed on meat; a war horse trained to fight - this is what ancient Pegasus appears to have been like. A guide between worlds who communicated with gods, other supernatural beings and otherworldly forces... A thundercloud horse carrying lightning... It seems that the true essence of the winged horse is still waiting for a worthy in-game embodiment.
Ancient Greece is not only ancient art and amazing architecture. These are also the greatest works of literature that have survived to this day. The mythology of the Greeks is a reflection of their ideas about a world inhabited by magical creatures, spirits, monsters and giants. One of the most mysterious creatures is Pegasus.
Origin of Pegasus
According to the image and description of mythographers, Pegasus is a luxurious white-winged horse. The parents of Pegasus are considered to be the conqueror of the sea god Poseidon and the ominous Gorgon Medusa. His appearance into the world is described in two versions.
- At the moment when the strong man Perseus cut off the head of the Gorgon, Pegasus and his blood brother, the great warrior Chrysaor, jumped out of her body.
- During the cutting off of the head of Medusa the Gorgon by Perseus, the blood fell to the ground, and the noble Pegasus turned out of it.
As the dictionary interprets it, translated from Greek the word “Pegasus” means “stormy stream.” It was named so because it was born at the source of the ocean and received its swiftness and power. He was endowed with immortality and was considered the thunder horse of Zeus. According to myths, he flew at the speed of fast-flowing winds.
Its original owner was Bellerophon. With the help of a winged horse, he defeated the fire-breathing Chimera. After this, Bellerophon felt strength and power. He decided to ride a horse up Mount Olympus and conquer it.
Zeus, seeing such impudence, sent a gadfly, who stung the white Pegasus. He threw off the rider and fell himself, but was then returned to Olympus. He became the horse of Zeus, and his main mission was to bring him lightning and serve as a symbol of the thundercloud. His strength was such that, as soon as he hit the ground with his hoof, a source began to flow at that place.
The white-winged horse was the favorite of the 9 Muses, who were patrons of various arts. They idolized him, and on the mountain where they lived, the horse with its golden hooves knocked out the Hippocrene spring, called the Horse Spring. This spring became sacred and was protected by Apollo himself.
Poets, artists, and musicians came to the source. They looked to him for inspiration to create masterpieces. Pegasus has become a symbol of creative growth. He blessed those who passed the tests given to him, who conquered darkness and torment in search of inspiration.
Appearance of Pegasus
In mythology, Pegasus has snow-white, silky fur. His mane shimmers in the sun like gold. The body is elastic, slender, personifying nobility and proud disposition. The hooves are golden, the legs are slender and graceful.
The main element of the image is the wings: sweeping, noble white. They gave Pegasus freedom and independence.
In all sources, the horse is described as a delightfully handsome man with sad eyes. To take off, he only had to take a few graceful steps, and he would soar into the sky like an extraordinary light bird. His whole image evoked delight, envy and admiration. It is not for nothing that people perceive this creature as sublime, independent and free.
Beautiful Pegasuses were depicted on the flags of states. They conveyed a sense of freedom, independence and sovereignty. In legends it was described as the “passion of hunters.” Many people wanted to catch and curb this animal, but as soon as they extended their hand, the horse flew into the sky, so high that it was impossible to see.
Symbolic interpretations of the image
The image of a white horse with wings has attracted creative people at all times and has its own meaning. Poems and stories were written about him, legends and myths were created. It was painted by artists and depicted by sculptors in their works. He himself was considered the patron of muses.
There were legends that whoever saddles a winged horse will himself become a poet and gain a creative gift. Pegasus was portrayed in stories as a kind magical creature. This is a shy, but at the same time proud horse that cannot be tamed.
Astronomers named a constellation in his honor. It looks like a horse, but without wings.
The Templars also depicted the image of Pegasus on their personal coat of arms. They believed that he would bring them glory, honor and honor. In the 19th century scientists considered Pegasus a symbol of the interconnection of all life on earth.
Since Pegasus personifies the art of poetry, many works have been written about him by both modern and ancient masters of words.
Today, the image of Pegasus often represents speed.
Differences between Pegasus and Unicorn
Another snow-white horse, which is often confused with Pegasus, is the Unicorn. There are differences between them. The second creature has a golden horn growing from its forehead, but has no wings. In Greece, his image was conveyed by the historian Ctesias. Following his descriptions, we can say that the Unicorn is something between a bull, an antelope and a rhinoceros. The horn was endowed with special powers:
- healed the sick and wounded in battles;
- raised the dead;
- cleansed drinks from poisons.
Unlike Pegasus, which existed only in Ancient Greece, the Unicorn was described by peoples of different religions and eras. Among the Greeks, he had a white body, a red head, and blue eyes.
In Western cultures it was half wild bull and half horse with one horn. The culture of the East imagined him as something between a goat and a horse, with a beard and one horn. The same thing in different descriptions and characteristics is that the horse has kindness, the ability to love and understand.
Both Pegasus and the Unicorn cannot be caught and tamed, so these two magical creatures are united in the concepts of freedom and independence.
Conclusion
Many speculations about who Pegasus is - a bird or a horse - have existed for many centuries. One thing is clear - the creature carried within itself a beautiful image of kindness, freedom, independence.
In today's world there is often a lack of magic and fairy tales. It was not for nothing that Pegasus created a source with his hoof, from which even today I want to draw inspiration and peace. The symbol of this animal combines two vital forces - the power of a horse and the love of a bird for the sky.
