Chimera is a fire spewing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a snake. Bellerophontes captures the flying horse Pegasus and with his help he slays the monster with his sword. According to the legend these flames that have been burning continuously for centuries are the flames of the slain monster Chimera…
This could be the first fire that was used during the ancient Olympic games. According to the legend the very beautiful young man Bellerophontes kills someone by accident and is forced to flee Argos and seeks refuge with the Proitos, the Tryns King.
Anteia, the kings wife, falls in love with Bellerophontes and when he rejects her she accuses him of trying to seduce her.
The King does not kill the
young man who is a guest in his palace but thinks up a punishment to get
rid of him. He orders him to kill Chimera.
The physiological reason for these flames is a natural underground gas
source. These flames burn throughout the year and are especially
attractive to visit in the dark. This is why we organise a guided tour
every evening after dinner.
This tour takes place every evening and makes for special moments by the
fires. Bring a bottle of wine!
After a thirty minute drive we arrive at the slopes of Chimera. From
here we take our flashlights and make our way through the forest. After
a 20-25 minute walk we arrive at the fires of Chimera.
