Chimera (mythology)
| Chimera | |
|---|---|
| Abode | Lycia |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents | Typhon and Echidna |
| Siblings | Lernaean Hydra, Orthrus, Cerberus |
| Consort | Orthrus |
| Offspring | Nemean lion, Sphinx |
According to Greek mythology, the Chimera, Chimaera, Chimæra, or Khimaira (/kaɪˈmɪərə, kɪ-, -mɛər-/ ky-MEER-ə, kih-, -MAIR-; Ancient Greek: Χίμαιρα, romanized: Chímaira, lit. 'she-goat') was a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature from Lycia, Asia Minor, composed of different animal parts. Typically, it is depicted as a lion with a goat's head protruding from its back and a tail ending with a snake's head. Some representations also include dragon's wings. It was an offspring of Typhon and Echidna, and a sibling of monsters like Cerberus and the Lernaean Hydra.
The term "chimera" has come to describe any mythical or fictional creature with parts taken from various animals.