In Greek mythology, Areion is an immortal horse that is typically regarded as the offspring of Poseidon and Demeter, conceived when Demeter turned into a horse to outrun Poseidon and he then also turned into a horse. He is first mentioned in Homer’s Iliad where he is described as the “swift horse of Adrastus, that was of heavenly stock.” He is said to have had a black mane, incredible speed, and the ability to talk.
Today we’re looking at the Safari Ltd. figure of this mythical horse, produced in 2013 and now retired. Although no descriptions or illustrations of Areion show him with a set of bat wings, they’re included here. I suppose without them it would just be a regular horse toy, so Safari’s artistic license is appreciated. Strangely, there do not appear to be any bat-winged horses in mythology and folklore, but they have been included in some modern works of fiction.
Safari’s Areion figure is presented in a threating display, reared up on his hindlegs with his forelimbs swinging wildly in front of him. He stands with the aid of his luscious tail. Areion’s paintjob is simply and effective, he’s entirely black as night. It gives him a very statuesque and grand demeanor. His mouth is open and the only color on him that isn’t black are his white teeth and piercing eyes, which are white with brown irises, black pupils, and spots of white eyeshine. He stands 5.25” (13.34 cm) tall.
Ignoring the wings for a moment, the figure is an anatomically sound, muscular, and formidable looking horse. Veins and muscles are sculpted over his face, and his nostrils are flared. The ears are pointed back, which in horse language means he’s worried or annoyed. His mane is beautifully sculpted with hairs weaving and flowing over each other, giving it depth. The same can also be said of the tail. Even though Areion is a male there are no sculpted genitals, which I guess makes sense for a fantasy horse toy for kids even if companies do include them on horse figures otherwise.
The wings are impressive and batlike, with fibrous leathery membranes stretching between the “fingers”. The membranes bulge inward, as if Areion is in the midst of flapping them and catching some air. An additional membrane support sticks out of the elbows and a spike is sculpted on each wrist.
Safari’s Areion figure is more of a dark twist on Pegasus, also from Greek mythology, than it is a representation of Areion. Everyone is familiar with Pegasus, who has bird wings and is typically white. Like Areion, Pegasus was also fathered by Poseidon, but his mother was Medusa. Weird, I know. Although I don’t have one, I imagine that this Areion would display well with a Pegasus figure. And although Areion is out of production he can still be found online for close to retail price, for the time being.
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