ΒΕΛΛΕΡΟΦΟΝΤΗΣ (bellerofonths) — Lexarithmos 1370 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

Bellerophon, son of King Glaucus of Corinth (or, by some accounts, Poseidon), stands as one of the most emblematic heroes of Greek mythology, renowned for his valorous deeds and tragic end. His name, traditionally interpreted as "slayer of Belleros," alludes to an initial act of violence that led to his exile and the commencement of his epic adventures. His narrative serves as a classic example of the mythological motif of the exiled hero who must prove his worth through a series of seemingly impossible labors.

Bellerophon's fame is inextricably linked to Pegasus, the winged horse he tamed with the aid of Athena, and to his slaying of the Chimera, a monstrous, fire-breathing creature. These feats, along with his victories over the Solymi and the Amazons, established him as one of the greatest warriors of his era. His initial exile from Corinth, stemming from the killing of Belleros (or his brother Diaides), led him to Tiryns, where Queen Stheneboea fell in love with him. Upon his rejection, she falsely accused him to her husband, Proetus.

Proetus, unwilling to violate the sacred laws of hospitality, dispatched Bellerophon to his father-in-law, Iobates, king of Lycia, bearing a sealed letter that called for the hero's death. Iobates, also bound by hospitality, assigned Bellerophon a series of deadly missions, hoping he would perish. However, Bellerophon triumphed in all of them, eventually earning Iobates' respect, his daughter's hand in marriage, and half of his kingdom. His tragic downfall came later when, overcome by hubris, he attempted to ascend Mount Olympus on Pegasus, provoking the wrath of the gods and leading to his catastrophic fall.

Etymology

Bellerophon ← Belleros- + phoneuo (phon-)

The name "Bellerophon" is a compound word traditionally interpreted as "the slayer of Belleros." The second element, -phon, derives from the verb φονεύω (phoneuo, "to kill, to slay") and the noun φόνος (phonos, "murder, slaughter"). The first element, Belleros-, remains enigmatic, as there is no other reference to a person or place named Belleros in ancient Greek literature apart from the etymology of the hero's name. It likely refers to a local adversary or a symbolic name associated with the initial act that prompted the hero's exile. The root phon- is an Ancient Greek root belonging to the oldest stratum of the language, denoting the act of killing.

The word family sharing the root phon- is rich in Ancient Greek, encompassing terms related to killing, slaughter, and perpetrators. From the verb φονεύω (phoneuo) derive the noun φόνος (phonos, the act of killing), φονεύς (phoneus, the killer), and the adjective φονικός (phonikos, related to murder or bloodthirsty). Additionally, numerous compound words exist, such as ἀνδροφόνος (androphonos, man-slaying) and μιαιφόνος (miaiphonos, blood-stained, murderous), which underscore the central meaning of the root in the action of killing.

Main Meanings

The Corinthian Hero — The mythical hero of Corinth, son of Glaucus or Poseidon, famous for his valorous deeds and tragic fate.
Tamer of Pegasus — A reference to the hero who tamed the winged horse Pegasus, a symbol of transcendent power and divine assistance.
Slayer of the Chimera — The hero who vanquished the formidable monster Chimera, one of his most famous mythological acts symbolizing victory over chaos.
Symbol of Hubris — Bellerophon as an exemplar of hubris, the excessive pride that leads to downfall, particularly after his attempt to reach Olympus.
The Exiled and Tested — His initial exile and the successive trials assigned to him by Iobates, highlighting the motif of the hero who must prove his worth.
Archetype of Heroism and Tragedy — His complex nature, combining bravery and divine favor with human frailty and ultimate tragedy.

Word Family

phon- (root of the verb phoneuo, meaning "to kill, to slay")

The root phon- forms a core of meanings in Ancient Greek revolving around the act of killing, slaughter, and destruction. Although the name "Bellerophon" contains an enigmatic first element (Belleros-), the second element (-phon) is clearly connected to this root, denoting the quality of a "slayer." This root, of Ancient Greek origin, has generated a series of words describing both the act and the perpetrator of killing, as well as its consequences, highlighting the gravity and prevalence of the phenomenon in ancient society and mythology.

Βελλεροφών ὁ · noun · lex. 1662

An alternative, shorter form of the hero Bellerophon's name, retaining the same meaning of "slayer." It is used in various sources, like the full form, to refer to the hero of Corinth. (Pindar, «Olympian Ode XIII»).

φονεύω verb · lex. 1825

The verb from which the second element of Bellerophon's name derives. It means "to kill, to murder, to slay." It describes the act of taking a life, which is a central element in the hero's initial story and his trials.

φόνος ὁ · noun · lex. 890

The noun denoting the act of killing, murder, or slaughter. In ancient Greece, murder was a serious offense with religious and legal consequences, as seen in Bellerophon's exile due to the killing of Belleros.

φονεύς ὁ · noun · lex. 1225

The perpetrator of murder, the killer, the slayer. Bellerophon bears this title in the etymology of his name, emphasizing his identity as one who has committed a killing, even if it was unintentional or justified.

φονικός adjective · lex. 920

Relating to murder, murderous, bloodthirsty. It describes the quality or nature that leads to killing. Bellerophon, as a warrior and slayer of monsters, demonstrates murderous capabilities.

ἀνδροφόνος adjective · lex. 1115

Man-slaying, homicidal. A compound adjective emphasizing the ability or act of killing men. Often used for heroes or deities who cause death in battles (e.g., «Ἄρης ἀνδροφόνος» in Homer).

ἀποφονεύω verb · lex. 1976

Meaning "to kill completely, to exterminate." The prefix apo- intensifies the notion of total killing. Bellerophon "exterminates" the Chimera and his other enemies, completing his missions.

μιαιφόνος adjective · lex. 951

Blood-stained, murderous, sanguinary. This adjective highlights guilt or an act resulting in bloodshed. Bellerophon, having committed a killing, could be described as miaiphonos.

Philosophical Journey

Bellerophon's story, though ancient, traverses Greek literature and art, evolving and being enriched over the centuries.

PRE-HOMERIC ERA

Mythological Origins

The roots of the Bellerophon myth trace back to earlier oral traditions, likely connected to Corinth and Lycia, before their written recording.

8TH CENTURY BCE

Homer, «Iliad»

The first written and most comprehensive account of Bellerophon's story is found in Book VI of the «Iliad» (lines 155-205), within Glaucus's speech.

5TH CENTURY BCE

Pindar, «Olympian Ode XIII»

Pindar praises Bellerophon and Pegasus as symbols of Corinth, highlighting the hero's success in taming the winged horse.

5TH CENTURY BCE

Ancient Tragedy

Euripides wrote the tragedy «Bellerophon» (fragments survive), and Sophocles also penned a work of the same title, exploring the tragic dimension of the myth.

HELLENISTIC & ROMAN ERAS

Influence on Art

The myth of Bellerophon is depicted in vases, mosaics, and sculptures, particularly the scene of the Chimera's slaying and the taming of Pegasus.

MODERN ERA

Literature and Art

Bellerophon continues to inspire writers and artists as an archetype of the hero grappling with fate and human nature.

In Ancient Texts

Bellerophon's story, though briefly mentioned in the «Iliad», stands as one of the most characteristic examples of a heroic journey and tragic fall in ancient Greek literature.

«Βελλεροφόντης δ’ ἄρα τίκτεν ἀμύμονα θυμὸν ἔχοντα, / ὃς δὴ πλεῖστα βροτῶν ἀλάλητο, πᾶσι μεληθείς.»

And Bellerophon begat one of blameless spirit, / who indeed wandered most among mortals, cared for by all.

Homer, «Iliad» VI 155-156

«τὸν δ’ ἄρ’ ἔπεμπε Λυκίην δέ, πόρεν δ’ ὅ γε σήματα λυγρά, / γράψας ἐν πίνακι πτυκτῷ θυμοφθόρα πολλά.»

And him he sent to Lycia, and gave him baneful tokens, / writing on a folded tablet many soul-destroying things.

Homer, «Iliad» VI 168-169

«ἀλλ’ ὅτε δὴ καὶ κεῖνος ἀπήχθετο πᾶσι θεοῖσιν, / ἤτοι ὃ μὲν πεδίον τὸ Ἀλήϊον οἶος ἀλᾶτο, / ὃν θυμὸν κατέδων, πάτον ἀνθρώπων ἀλεείνων.»

But when even he became hateful to all the gods, / then he alone wandered on the Aleian plain, / consuming his own heart, shunning the path of men.

Homer, «Iliad» VI 200-202

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΒΕΛΛΕΡΟΦΟΝΤΗΣ is 1370, from the sum of its letter values:

Β = 2

Beta

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Λ = 30

Lambda

Λ = 30

Lambda

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ο = 70

Omicron

Φ = 500

Phi

Ο = 70

Omicron

Ν = 50

Nu

Τ = 300

Tau

Η = 8

Eta

Σ = 200

Sigma

= 1370

Total

2 + 5 + 30 + 30 + 5 + 100 + 70 + 500 + 70 + 50 + 300 + 8 + 200 = 1370

1370 decomposes into 1300 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 0 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΒΕΛΛΕΡΟΦΟΝΤΗΣ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	1370	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	2	1+3+7+0 = 11 → 1+1 = 2. The number 2 symbolizes duality, conflict, and partnership. In Bellerophon's case, it highlights his dual nature as hero and slayer, his relationship with Pegasus, and the conflict between human ambition and divine order.
Letter Count	13	13 letters. The number 13 is often associated with transformation, change, and sometimes with upheaval or misfortune. It reflects Bellerophon's pivotal transformation from exile to triumphant hero and ultimately to his tragic fall.
Cumulative	0/70/1300	Units 0 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 1300
Odd/Even	Even	Feminine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	B-E-L-L-E-R-O-P-H-O-N-T-E-S	As a proper noun, Bellerophon's notarikon does not have an established interpretation. Its letters can be seen as a phonetic representation of his fate: Bravery, Exile, Loyalty, Legend, Elevation, Ruin, Ordeal, Fall, Ostracism, Nemesis, Triumph, Humiliation, Solitude.
Grammatical Groups	5V · 5S · 3M	5 vowels (E, E, O, O, H), 5 semivowels (L, L, R, N, S), and 3 mutes (B, F, T). The balance of vowels and semivowels lends the name a fluidity and power, while the mutes signify decisiveness and violence.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Jupiter ♃ / Gemini ♊	1370 mod 7 = 5 · 1370 mod 12 = 2

Isopsephic Words (1370)

Bellerophon's lexarithmos of 1370 connects with a series of other Ancient Greek words which, though of different roots, share the same numerical value, offering intriguing associations.

ἀνθρώπινος

The word «ἀνθρώπινος» (human) contrasts with Bellerophon's divine lineage and superhuman deeds, reminding us of his human nature and ultimate fall due to hubris, a distinctly human flaw.

κατορθόω

The verb «κατορθόω» (to set right, to achieve) reflects Bellerophon's many successes in his trials, such as slaying the Chimera and defeating Iobates' enemies, before his ultimate failure.

σύνοπτος

The word «σύνοπτος» (visible together, concise) might allude to the clarity with which the gods observed Bellerophon's trajectory, both his rise and fall, or to the comprehensive narrative of his story in Homer.

ὑπότροπος

The adjective «ὑπότροπος» (returning, relapsing) could symbolize Bellerophon's return to his initial state of exile or isolation after his hubris, or the repetitive nature of his trials.

ἐρρωμένος

The adjective «ἐρρωμένος» (strong, robust, healthy) describes the essential physical and mental strength of a hero like Bellerophon, who had to confront monsters and armies.

εὐποιέω

The verb «εὐποιέω» (to do good, to benefit) contrasts with Bellerophon's initial act of killing and his eventual hubris. However, his actions as a hero, such as vanquishing the Chimera, were beneficial to humanity.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 95 words with lexarithmos 1370. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
Homer — The Iliad, Book VI. Translated by Richmond Lattimore. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951.
Pindar — Olympian Odes, XIII. Edited and translated by William H. Race. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.
Pausanias — Description of Greece, Book II. Translated by W. H. S. Jones. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1918.
Graves, Robert — The Greek Myths. London: Penguin Books, 1955.
Kerényi, Karl — Heroes of the Greeks. Translated by H. J. Rose. London: Thames and Hudson, 1959.