Pegasus (in Latin) or Pegasos (in Greek) was a beautiful winged horse that could fly. Its image was reproduced on ancient coins and vessels along with their gods. I'll discuss which art and why.

In Greek legend, Perseus, the son of Jupiter was known to fly with winged sandals. Returning home as a hero after killing Medusa, legend would say that mortals would turn to stone after simply gazing at her.

Pegasus sprang from the blood of Medusa. Even in ancient times, a constellation by the same name (Pegasus) was recorded, visible during the autumn months.

As Greek legend continued, Bellerophon would become king of Corinth. He would tame Pegasus with a golden bridle that was given to him by the Greek goddess Athena. He would ride him into battle, hoping to ride him to heaven. The immortal horse bucked, throwing Bellerophon to Earth. Pegasus would fly to heaven and remain in Zeus’ stables.

Pegasus would appear on coinage from Corinth and its colonies oftentimes with Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet over a leather cap (on the reverse).

If you have an interest in purchasing ancient coins, beware of fakes sold online and even in the country of origin.

Pegasus was a popular image (along with Athena and Bellerophon) in art.
A red figure mixing vessel can be seen in the Tampa Museum of Art, Florida as well as a red figure vase at the Karlsruhe Badisches Landesmuseum, Germany.

European folklore would have the unicorn, their version of the white horse with a large pointed, spiraling horn on its forehead.

The TV show "Once Upon A Time" shows a unicorn running across your screen.

You can own the book, "Pegasus" by popular author Danielle Steel, available here from Amazon.com.