CHIMERAS: images of the myth
This page contains various chimeric images from different sources. They illustrate the variety and the richness of the myth. For a full discussion of the meaning of these images, see "The origins of the myth"
Last updated July 2001 (it badly needs a complete revision, I'll do it as soon as possible)
Inanna
and the winged lion. From early Sumerian times, maybe the earliest representation
of the myth of the Chimera, in this incarnation shown as a "storm beast", a
winged lion bringing storm and thunder.
Inanna
taming a lion. This image may not be related to the myth of the Chimera, but
illustrates some kind of relation between the Sumerian goddess and the winged
lion (see also the epic of Gilgamesh)
A bird with a lion's head, shown as attacking two lions in a Sumerian image.
This lion/bird fight may have been at the origins of the "winged lion" precursor
of the Chimeric myth.
An image of Anzu fighting against a Babylonian hero.
This
image on a Greek dish going back perhaps to the 7th century b.c. is one of the
earliest known images of the classic Chimera.
The
classic Chimera of Arezzo, the best known image of the myth
Another
image of the same Chimera
The
Chimera of Arezzo seen from a different angle
An Ukrainian Chimera. The golden ring shown here was excavated by O.M. Leskov
in 1970 near the village of Vil'na Ukraina. It is presently in the collection
of the Historical Museum of Precious objects of Ukraina, in Kiev. The ring has
been dated as of the 4th century B.C., so nearly contemporary to the Chimera
of Arezzo. The creature in the ring is usually classified as a "griffin", but
it has elements clearly reminding us of the classic Mediterranean Chimera: the
posture of the body and legs, the shape of the "wing" on the back, and the tail
curling backwards. It seems therefore various forms of the myth were widespread
all over Europe in ancient times
This
is the logo, or a banner, of some student fraternity. It is a funny image, quite
possibly the most likeable chimera the author knows of
This
not so impressive Chimera comes from the 1978 edition of the "Monster Manual"
by Gary Gygax, a supplement for the role playing game "Dungeons and Dragons".
This
image is taken from a Japanese "monster manual" published in 1987. It clearly
portraits the classic Chimera of Arezzo, that is here compared to an apparently
similar creature of Chinese mythology, the Nue.
Another modern image, this one based on the theme of the three heads "in line".
By Lori McDonald 1997.
Kinshasa, the African Chimera, created by John
Boulton in 1996. This Chimera is proof of the vitality of the myth in our
times, and perhaps of its returning to its original meaning. Is the monster
turning again into a woman, as it was in Sumerian times? Perhaps. A great image
by all means.
A
curious mix of rabbit and goat, a funny creature downloaded from a japanese site.
A
modern sculpture clearly taking inspiration from the myth.
Richard Mason
sporting a T-shirt with the logo of the Minneapolis congress on transplant. There is a whole branch of medicine
which is much concerned with Chimaeras as symbols for their work. Photo courtesy of Devon Mason.
If you have images that you think suitable for this site, please send them to me. Thanks.