Pegasus Born from Medusa's Severed Neck in Greek Myth, Not Divine Creation

In Greek mythology, Pegasus, the winged horse, was born from the neck of Medusa after Perseus beheaded her. This dramatic origin ties him to both monsters and the fury of Poseidon. Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danaë, was destined to kill his grandfather, King Acrisius, who had confined them in a chest. They eventually landed on a shore, where a fisherman took Perseus in. Polydectes, infatuated with Danaë, ordered Perseus to bring him Medusa's head. With the help of Athena and Hermes, he obtained winged sandals, a sword, Hades's helmet, a reflective shield, and a bag. Using the shield, he decapitated Medusa, resulting in the births of Pegasus and Chrysaor. Medusa, once lovely, faced Athena's punishment. Pegasus represents beauty emerging from chaos and has influenced various artworks, including a lunette in the Library of Congress.