Perseus

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File:Perseus and andromeda amphora.jpg

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File:Perseus and Andromeda MAN Napoli Inv8995.jpg

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File:Museo Nazionale Napoli - Perseus and Andromeda.jpg

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== Perseus ==

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Statue of Perseus

Perseus is one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology. He is best known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster. Perseus is the son of Zeus and Danaë, making him a demigod.

Mythology

Birth and Early Life

Perseus was born to Danaë, the daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos. According to the myth, Acrisius was warned by an oracle that he would be killed by his grandson. To prevent this, he locked Danaë in a bronze chamber. However, Zeus visited her in the form of a golden shower, and Perseus was conceived. When Acrisius discovered the child, he set Danaë and Perseus adrift in a wooden chest. They were rescued by Dictys, a fisherman on the island of Seriphos.

The Quest for Medusa

King Polydectes, the ruler of Seriphos, desired Danaë and sought to get rid of Perseus. He sent Perseus on a seemingly impossible mission to bring back the head of Medusa, one of the three Gorgons whose gaze could turn people to stone. With the help of the gods Athena and Hermes, Perseus obtained magical items: the Cap of Invisibility, the winged sandals of Hermes, and a reflective shield. Using these tools, he successfully beheaded Medusa.

Rescue of Andromeda

On his return journey, Perseus encountered Andromeda, who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. He used Medusa's head to turn the monster to stone and rescued her. Perseus and Andromeda were later married.

Later Life and Death

Perseus eventually returned to Seriphos and turned Polydectes and his followers to stone using Medusa's head. He then gave the head to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the Aegis. Perseus went on to fulfill the prophecy by accidentally killing Acrisius with a discus during a sporting event.

Legacy

Perseus is often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of bravery and heroism. His story has been retold in various forms, including Renaissance paintings and modern films.

Related Pages

• Greek mythology
• Medusa
• Andromeda (mythology)
• Zeus
• Athena
• Hermes

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