Perseus.
The hero with the averted gaze
Perseus: Greek Hero, Medusa and the Rescue of Andromedais the son of and who kills with divine help. His adventure joins a dangerous quest to the rescue of and a prophecy his grandfather cannot escape.
More than a myth.
Danae and the prophecy
Acrisius learns that his daughter’s son will cause his death, so he confines . reaches her in the form of golden rain, and is born. Mother and child are cast out to sea in a chest and survive on Seriphos. The attempt to prevent a future through confinement establishes the family danger behind the hero’s later travels.
How Perseus defeats Medusa
Polydectes sends for the Gorgon’s head while pursuing . The quest requires assistance from , , the , and who supply special equipment. Looking at through a reflected image allows him to avoid her direct gaze. He cuts off her head and carries it in a special bag, using concealment and borrowed powers to survive the pursuit of her sisters.
Andromeda and the return home
saves from a sea monster and marries her. On returning to Seriphos he uses ’s head against Polydectes and his supporters, then gives it to . The prophecy eventually comes true through an accidental discus throw that kills Acrisius. Success in a quest does not place the hero outside the pattern his family has been trying to avoid.
Questions about Perseus
Did Perseus ride Pegasus to kill Medusa?
The gives winged sandals and other equipment. is born when is killed and is chiefly the mount of in the Chimera story.
Who are Perseus’s parents?
and . Acrisius is Danae’s father and the grandfather threatened by the prophecy.
It’s a family affair.
The stories of Perseus.
Ancient voices.
Enduring stories.
Myths have many tellings. These are the ancient works behind this profile, linked to freely available English translations.
Library
Book 2.4.1–4 · Perseus
Theogony
Lines 270–286 · Medusa and Pegasus