According to myth, Chiron was the son of the Titan Kronos and the nymph Philyra. Kronos, fearing that his illicit affair with Philyra would be discovered by his wife Rhea, disguised himself as a horse. As a result, Chiron was born with the form of a centaur (he was half man, half horse). However, unlike most other centaurs, Chiron was both immortal (having a god for a father) and good-natured. Indeed, his wisdom and learning was legendary, as thus he became the teacher of several Greek heroes, including Achilles, Jason, and Asklepios. Additionally, Chiron and the god Apollo were friends, and it was Apollo who shared with Chiron his knowledge of archery.

One day, while visiting with Herakles, Chiron was accidentally nicked by one of the hero's deadly arrows. The centaur was immediately overcome with excruciating pain. Although he was immortal, be begged Zeus for an end to his suffering, and the ruler of the gods granted his request - for Zeus placed Chiron in the sky, where he became the constellation Centaurus. In this way, Chiron lives forever in the night sky.