Coloring Pages for Kids
Horses of Greek Mythology coloring pages
Welcome to our coloring pages featuring horses from Greek mythology.
Greek mythology is rich with tales of gods, heroes, and creatures, including a variety of horses and horse-like beings. Each of these horses has its own story, significance, and connection to various gods, heroes, and mythical events, enriching the vast tapestry of Greek mythology.
Pegasus:
Pegasus is one of the most iconic creatures in Greek mythology, and his story weaves through various myths and legends. Here are a few key points about Pegasus:
- Origin: Pegasus is famously known as a winged horse. He sprang forth from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was beheaded by the hero Perseus. This origin links Pegasus to themes of transformation and the emergence of beauty and grace from violence.
- Connection to the Muses: After his birth, Pegasus flew to Mount Olympus where he was tamed by the goddess Athena. He was given to the Muses, and his striking of the ground with his hoof is said to have created the spring Hippocrene on Mount Helicon, which became sacred to the Muses and was believed to inspire all who drank its waters.
- Bellerophon's Companion: Pegasus is most notably associated with the hero Bellerophon, whom he aided in several adventures, including the famous battle against the Chimera, a monstrous fire-breathing creature. Bellerophon captured Pegasus with the help of a golden bridle, a gift from Athena.
- Symbol of Inspiration and Creativity: Due to his connection with the Muses and the creation of the Hippocrene spring, Pegasus is often seen as a symbol of poetic inspiration and the arts. His image evokes a sense of freedom and the boundless possibilities of the imagination.
- Ascension to Olympus: After Bellerophon's fall from grace, Pegasus continued to Mount Olympus where he was transformed into a constellation. Zeus also employed Pegasus to carry his thunderbolts, further integrating him into the divine realm.
- Cultural Impact: The image of Pegasus has transcended Greek mythology, becoming a symbol of inspiration in the arts and literature, as well as a symbol of speed and freedom in modern times.
Trojan Horse:
- The Trojan Horse - Although not a living horse, this wooden horse played a crucial role in the Greek victory over Troy in the Trojan War by hiding soldiers inside to infiltrate the city.
- Empty wooden shell built to look like a horse.
- The Greek soldiers hid inside so they could sneak into Troy during the Trojan war.
- Symbol of Trickery and Strategy: Renowned as a masterstroke of military cunning and deception, the Trojan Horse epitomizes the use of intellect and subterfuge in warfare, illustrating the themes of betrayal and inventive strategy.
- Icon of Catastrophic Surprise: The story of the Trojan Horse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of accepting gifts without suspicion, symbolizing the devastating impact of unanticipated threats and the consequences of misplaced trust.
Hippocampi:
Hippocampi, in Greek mythology, are often portrayed as magnificent creatures and companions of Poseidon blending the grace of horses with the majesty of the sea.
With their equine bodies and fish-like tails, they symbolize the harmonious union of two distinct elements: land and water. As guardians of the ocean depths, Hippocampi evoke a sense of wonder and mystery, embodying the vastness and untamed beauty of the seas.
Their presence in mythological narratives often signifies the interconnectedness of the terrestrial and aquatic realms, as well as the enduring fascination humanity holds for the wonders of the deep.
The Horses of Helios or Apollo
Helios, the sun god, drove his chariot across the sky daily, pulled by four fiery horses named Pyrois, Eos, Aethon, and Phlegon.
The horses pulling Helios' chariot are usually depicted as fiery steeds with coats that resemble the bright colors of flames—reds, oranges, and yellows. Their manes and tails might seem to flicker like fire.
Phaethon’s Horses
These horses pulled the chariot of Phaethon, the son of Helios, when he disastrously tried to drive the sun chariot for a day.
These horses of the sun chariot are portrayed as wild and uncontrollable, with fiery eyes and coats that gleam like burnished gold or bright embers, embodying the dangerous power of the sun itself.
Horses of Hades
While not described as skeletal, the horses that pull Hades' chariot could be imagined as darker and more ominous than typical horses, potentially having features that echo the grim aspects of the underworld. Their appearance is not detailed in myths, but artists and writers could interpret them as having ghostly or skeletal traits due to their association with the god of the dead.
Nightmares from Hecate
Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and ghosts, might be imagined to have horses that fit the "zombie" or skeletal description, aligning with her association with the darker aspects of the world. These horses could be considered part of her nocturnal retinue, embodying the fearsome qualities of night and magic. Night-mares! get it?
Arion
Arion is described as a swift, dark-maned horse with a glossy coat that could shimmer like black steel. Being born of the gods, he possesses an extraordinary, almost supernatural beauty and an imposing presence.
An immortal horse born of the gods, capable of human speech, and incredibly swift. Arion was often associated with the hero Heracles.
Areion
Another version of the name Arion, this horse was also noted for its incredible speed and the ability to speak. Similar to Arion, Areion is often depicted as a splendid horse with a dark, glossy coat, signifying speed and endurance, and possessing an eloquent ability to speak.
Xanthus and Balius
These immortal horses are typically depicted with fine, strong bodies and coats that could be silvery or pale, reflecting their divine heritage. Their manes might be imagined as flowing and possibly containing hints of the colors of the sky, given their sire, the West Wind.
These two immortal horses were given to Achilles by his father, Peleus. They were sired by the West Wind, Zephyrus, and were known for their incredible speed.
The Mares of Diomedes
These mares are often portrayed as wild and fierce, with muscular builds and eyes that could gleam with a ferocious light. Their coats might be dark, matted, and unkempt, reflecting their savage nature.
These were four man-eating horses owned by the giant Diomedes. Heracles was tasked with capturing them as one of his Twelve Labors.
Bucephalus
Though historically Alexander the Great’s horse and not a mythical figure, Bucephalus is often included in stories of Greek heroes and thus blurs the lines of historical and mythical accounts. Bucephalus, is described as a massive, strong horse with a jet-black coat, a broad forehead, and a white star on his brow. He carried an air of nobility and formidable power.
Cyllarus
This was the horse of the centaur Hylonome, killed at the wedding of Pirithous and Hippodamia, and often mentioned for his beauty and bravery.
Cyllarus is depicted as a horse of exceptional beauty, with a strong, noble profile, possibly with a coat of warm chestnut or golden hue, reflecting his valor and the tragedy of his death.
Centaurs
Centaurs, those mythical creatures of ancient Greek mythology, captivate the imagination with their striking dual nature—half human, half horse. Originating from the mountainous regions of Thessaly, centaurs are often depicted as wild and unruly, symbolizing the chaotic and untamed forces of nature. They feature prominently in numerous myths, most famously in the battle with the Lapiths, which showcases their rowdy and tumultuous character.
Yet, not all centaurs follow this archetype; the wise Chiron stands out as a revered teacher and healer, mentoring heroes like Achilles and Asclepius. The centaur embodies the duality of man's nature, both civilized and barbaric, creating a rich symbol in the tapestry of Greek lore.
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