The horses of Greek mythology are divine and heroic steeds, often immortal, wind-born, or gifted by gods, and they appear in nearly every major myth cycle. These horses are not mere mounts; they are characters with lineages, names, and fates, from the winged Pegasus to the man-eating mares of Diomedes.
Divine and Immortal Horses
The most famous divine horses are the four that pull the chariot of the sun god Helios. In Homer’s Odyssey and later Greek poetry, these horses are named Pyrois (the Fiery), Eous (the Dawn), Aethon (the Blazing), and Phlegon (the Burning). They are described as breathing fire and having manes of flame, embodying the sun’s heat and light. Helios drives them across the sky each day, and when his son Phaethon borrowed the chariot, he could not control them, causing the earth to burn and freeze until Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt.
Another set of immortal horses belongs to the sea god Poseidon. In the Iliad, Poseidon emerges from the sea in a golden chariot drawn by horses with bronze hooves and manes of gold. These horses are so swift that the axle of the chariot does not even wet in the waves. Poseidon is also credited with creating the first horse, either by striking the ground with his trident or by competing with Athena for the patronage of Athens (he offered the horse, she offered the olive tree).
The Horses of Achilles
Achilles, the greatest Greek hero of the Trojan War, had two immortal horses, Xanthus and Balius. They were the offspring of the harpy Podarge and the west wind Zephyrus, as told in Homer’s Iliad. These horses were given to Achilles’ father Peleus by the gods, and they were known for their incredible speed and intelligence.
In the Iliad, when Achilles’ close friend Patroclus is killed, Achilles mourns and speaks to his horses. Xanthus suddenly speaks, prophesying that Achilles will die in battle. The horse says that they will carry him safely, but the day of his death is near. Achilles responds that he already knows his fate, and the Erinyes (Furies) silence Xanthus, taking away his voice. This is one of the few moments in Greek myth where a horse speaks, and it underscores the close bond between hero and steed.
Pegasus and the Muses
Pegasus is the most iconic horse in Greek mythology. He was born from the blood of Medusa when she was beheaded by the hero Perseus, emerging fully grown and winged. Pegasus was later tamed by the hero Bellerophon, who used a golden bridle given to him by Athena. Together, they defeated the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster, by flying above it and striking it with arrows.
After Bellerophon attempted to fly to Mount Olympus, Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, throwing the hero off. Pegasus continued to Olympus, where he became the thunderbolt-bearer of Zeus. He was also associated with the Muses: in one myth, he struck Mount Helicon with his hoof, and the spring Hippocrene (the Horse’s Fountain) burst forth, a source of poetic inspiration. Pegasus was later placed among the stars as the constellation Pegasus.
The Mares of Diomedes
One of the Twelve Labors of Heracles was to capture the man-eating mares of Diomedes, king of the Thracian tribe of Bistones. These mares were wild and savage, fed on human flesh, and were said to be the daughters of the war god Ares. Their names are sometimes given as Podargos (Swift-footed), Lampon (Shining), Xanthus (Yellow), and Deinos (Terrible), though the names vary by source.
Heracles sailed to Thrace, overpowered the grooms, and captured the mares. When Diomedes attacked, Heracles killed him and fed his body to the mares, which calmed them. He then drove the mares back to King Eurystheus, who dedicated them to Hera. In some versions, the mares were released to roam freely, and their descendants were said to be the horses of Alexander the Great.
Horses of the Underworld and Other Mythic Steeds
The god Hades, ruler of the Underworld, drove a chariot pulled by four black horses. Their names are not consistently given, but they are often called Orphnaeus (Dark), Aethon (Blazing, though this name is also used for Helios’ horse), Nycteus (Night), and Alastor (Avenger). These horses were said to be able to gallop through the earth, and they were associated with the dead.
Other notable horses include Arion, a divine horse born of Poseidon and Demeter (in some versions, of Gaia and Poseidon). Arion could speak and was extremely swift; he was owned by the hero Adrastus and later by Heracles. The Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, also rode horses, and Castor was famed as a horse-tamer. In the Iliad, the Trojan hero Hector’s horses are named Xanthus and Podarges, and they are said to be the best in Troy.
Horse Names and Their Meanings
Greek horse names often reflect their attributes. The name Xanthus means “yellow” or “blond,” Balius means “dappled” or “spotted,” Podargos means “swift-footed,” and Lampon means “shining.” These names are descriptive, telling us what the horse looked like or how it moved. In Homer, horses are often given epithets such as “single-hoofed” or “swift-running,” emphasizing their speed and value.
The Greeks also believed that certain horses were descended from the gods. The horses of Achilles, for example, were the offspring of a wind god and a harpy, which explained their speed and intelligence. Similarly, the horses of the Dioscuri were said to be the children of the west wind. This divine lineage made horses more than just animals; they were semi-divine beings worthy of respect and even worship.
Horses in Greek Art and Culture
Horses appear frequently in Greek art, from vase paintings to sculptures. The Parthenon frieze includes a procession of horsemen, and the statue of the Charioteer of Delphi shows a life-size chariot with horses. Coins from the city of Corinth often featured Pegasus, and the horse was a symbol of wealth and status. In the Iliad, heroes compete in chariot races at the funeral games of Patroclus, and the winner receives a woman and a tripod. These races were dangerous and highly competitive, reflecting the importance of horses in Greek warfare and sport.
The Greeks also used horses in warfare, particularly in chariots. The Mycenaean Greeks, who lived during the Bronze Age, used chariots in battle, and the horse was a symbol of aristocratic power. In later periods, cavalry became more important, and the horse remained a central part of Greek military life. The myths of horses, therefore, reflect their real-world significance: they were valuable, powerful, and often associated with the gods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of the horses of Achilles?
Achilles’ horses are named Xanthus and Balius. They were immortal, born of the harpy Podarge and the west wind Zephyrus. In the Iliad, Xanthus speaks to Achilles, prophesying his death, which is a unique moment in Greek mythology.
Why did Pegasus have wings?
Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa after Perseus beheaded her. His wings are not explained in the myths, but they are part of his divine nature, allowing him to fly and to serve as the thunderbolt-bearer of Zeus. He is the only winged horse in Greek mythology.
Were the Mares of Diomedes real horses?
In myth, they were real horses, but they were man-eating and savage. They were the daughters of Ares, the god of war, and were fed on human flesh. Heracles captured them as one of his labors, and they were later released or dedicated to Hera.
What is the name of the horse that created a spring?
Pegasus struck Mount Helicon with his hoof, and the spring Hippocrene (meaning “Horse’s Fountain”) burst forth. This spring was sacred to the Muses and was said to inspire poets who drank from it.
Did the Greeks believe horses were divine?
Some horses were considered divine or semi-divine, especially those with divine parentage. The horses of Achilles, for example, were immortal, and Pegasus was a god-like creature. However, ordinary horses were not worshipped; they were valued for their practical uses in war and transport.
What does the name “Xanthus” mean?
Xanthus means “yellow” or “blond” in Greek. It is a common name for horses in mythology, used for Achilles’ horse, one of Hector’s horses, and one of the Mares of Diomedes. The name describes the horse’s coat color.
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