Greek Mythology

The son of Danae and Zeus

His grandfather, Arcisius, went to an oracle to see if he would have grandchildren and he was told that his daughter would give birth to a son

• This son, the oracle claimed, would kill him

Arcisius immediately issolated his daughter in a cave

Zeus spotted Danae, transformed into golden rain, and entered her cave

• As a result of their meeting, Danae gave birth to a boy named Perseus, whom she kept secret from her father as long as she could

Acrisius eventually learned about the existence of Perseus and nearly killed the boy himself

• He decided instead to construct a boat and set his daughter and grandchild adrift

Danae and Perseus got washed up on an island and saved by a fisherman named Dictes

• He took the pair home and they lived there for many years

• Perseus matured on the island and grew to be a brave and strong man

Unfortunately, Dictes's brother Polydectes fell in love with Danae

• Perseus began to guard his mother from Polydectes

• To seperate Perseus from Danae, Polydectes created a plan which began with the gathering of the men of the island

• Perseus had no gifts to give Polydectes at the gathering, but announced that he would bring the head of Medusa back to the island

  • Medusa was a Gorgon who turned anyone who looked into her eyes into stone

• Polydectes agreed with Perseus's plan and Perseus left in search of Medusa