The Chimera was a monstrous beast which ravaged the countryside of Lykia in Anatolia that was believed to be able to breath fire. It was a composite creature, with the body and maned head of a lion, a goat's head rising from its back, a set of goat-udders, and a serpentine tail.
The hero Bellerophon was commanded to slay it by King Iobates. He rode into battle against the beast on the back of the winged horse Pegasus and, driving a lead-tipped lance down the Khimaira's flaming throat, suffocated it.
The Chimera may have once been identified with the winter-rising Constellation Capricorn (the serpent-tailed goat).

Next to the dragon, the chimera is the second most popular beast to guard portals.