A Made-Up Greek Tale (that isn't another tragedy).
When the Colossus of Rhodes was a mere glimmer in the eye of Charos of Lindos, there was an exiled Prince of the House of Sisyphus who was given the impossible task of killing the Chimera.
The Prince wept as he knew this would mean his death for the Chimera was a lion, a goat, an eagle and a snake — a creature that had many backs, even more teeth, and whose breath ignited cities.
But Athena, who was Wisdom and Craftiness, had a soft spot for the Prince for his grandfather, Sisyphus, had been the craftiest man to ever live. So Wisdom whispered in the ear of the Sea and in reply, Poseidon brought forth Pegasus — a winged horse who sprung from a spray of sea foam that had touched the blood of Medusa (who had accidentally lost her head).
Wisdom came to the Prince.
'Bellerophon,' she said, 'I give you these three: Pegasus, whose feet are sure and wings are swift; the Shield of Perseus, whose face will protect you from fire; and the Net of Nemesis. This last item is the key to your victory and you must follow this or your death is certain: Tomorrow, you must meet the Chimera in the air and drag her into water, for the Chimera is of fire and will thus be extinguished. There is no other way.'
Bellerophon was relieved and slept soundly. But that night as he lay in bed, the Sphinx came to him.
'My Prince,' the Sphinx cried in a soft voice, 'You ride tomorrow to kill my mother. Is there no room for mercy, my Prince?'
Bellerophon heard the Sphinx in his sleep and his heart sighed. 'I would spare your mother if I could,' he said gently, 'but Wisdom dictates that I cast my net and drag your mother to her drowning — for you see, she cannot live in water, and I cannot live unless I follow these instructions.'
'Ah, a riddle then,' said the Sphinx, who was craftier than even Sisyphus. Bellerophon opened his mind to the Sphinx and she sat in silence till dawn whispered at the edge of the dark.
Finally, the Sphinx solved the riddle.
