Greek Mythology

Chiron

Greek Monsters & Creatures

Chiron

Chiron was the most important Centaur in Greek mythology, famous for his teaching ability. He was the son of the Titan god Cronus and the nymph Philyra. Although centaurs had the upper body of a man and the lower body of a horse, Chiron's front legs were also human, showing that he was different and higher in class than the rest. Other differences between Chiron and his brethren were that he was far more civilised in nature, not indulging in drinking and being overcome with lust. He had superior knowledge, and he had a different lineage to the other centaurs, who were created by the union of Ixion and Nephele.

He lived on Mount Pelion with his consort, the nymph Chariclo, with whom he had three daughters, Hippe, Endeis, and Ocyrhoe; as well as a son, Carystus. His students included famous heroes and gods of the Greek myths, such as Asclepius, Ajax, Achilles, Theseus, Jason, Peleus, Perseus, and even Heracles and Phoenix.

His death was the result of events that started when Heracles visited the centaur Pholus in his cave, while trying to complete the fourth task described in the Labours of Heracles. The two individuals had supper and Heracles asked for wine. Pholus opened a bottle of sacred wine given to him by Dionysus, but the smell attracted the other centaurs from the nearby area. The centaurs attacked in an effort to take the wine, but Heracles killed many of them using poisoned arrows. One of those arrows hit Chiron by mistake. Chiron was immortal and could not die, but the poison caused unbearable pain to him. So, he happily gave up his immortality in exchange for Prometheus' freedom, when he was asked to do so by Heracles. Chiron then took a space on Mount Olympus along with the gods.
Chiron Is also called Cheiron, Kheiron.