Chimera (Khimaira) — three-headed monster

The Chimera (Khimaira) was a three-headed monster which ravaged the countryside of Lykia (Lycia) in Anatolia. It was a bizarre fire-breathing creature with the body and head of a lion, a goat's head rising from its back, the udders of a goat, and a serpent for a tail.

Chimera is a mythical creature which is believed to be formed of three different animals; a lioness, a goat and a snake.

The hero Bellerophon was commanded by King Iobates to slay the beast. He rode into battle on the back of the winged horse Pegasos and drove a lead-tipped lance into its flaming throat, choking the beast on molten metal.

Late classical writers believed the creature was a metaphor for a Lycian volcano.