In Greek and Roman times, the constellation Centaurus was associated with a centaur, a mythical creature that was half man, half horse. However, it is not entirely clear which centaur the constellation represents. ... To evade being caught in the act, Cronus turned himself into a horse.

How was Centaurus created?

Ixion mistook Nephele for Hera and consummated his love. As a result, Nephele got pregnant and gave birth to a deformed child named Centaurus. Cast out, Centaurus lived in the wilds of Thessaly, and mated with the wild mares of the forest. From these unions, the half-human, half-horse centaurs were created.

What is the story behind Centaurus?

The story behind the name: Centaurus is one of two constellations said to represent Centaurs, mythical creatures with a human head and torso on top of a horse's body. Centaurus was the name of the first Centaur. ... One legend says that Chiron was the first to identify the constellations and teach them to humans.