Perseus is the son of Danae and Zeus, and he made his name known by killing Medusa and saving his mother from King Polydectes.
Perseus was born after his grandfather, King Acrisius, locked his mother Danae in a brass tower after learning a prophecy that his grandchild would kill him. Danae was visited at night by Zeus, and she soon became pregnant. After Perseus’ birth, King Acrisius decided to test Danae to see if she was protected by the gods by setting her afloat in the ocean. If she returned safely, she was protected. Instead, she and Perseus were found by a sailor and brought to King Polydectes.
King Polydectes allowed Danae and Perseus to stay in his castle, but he was plotting to one day make Danae his wife. He schemed to get Perseus out of the way by pretending to make plans to marry someone else and demanding a gift from all of the young men of the land. Perseus did not have any money for a grand gift, but offered something even grander: to deliver the head of Medusa. Aided by winged sandals sent by Athena, a shield of polished bronze, a sickle-shaped moon sword, and the Cap of Darkness (Invisibility) provided to him by the Nymphs of the West, Perseus found the Gorgon sisters’ lair. He approached Medusa while she slept, keeping her reflection in his shield, and struck with the sword, beheading her.
On his way home, he came across a young maiden being sacrificed to a sea monster because her mother had angered the sea nymphs by insisting she and her daughter were more beautiful. Perseus killed the serpent and claimed the girl, Andromeda, as his wife. He took Medusa’s head and Andromeda back to the Polydectes and discovered that the king was forcing Danae to marry him. Furious, Perseus took Medusa’s head out of the bag and turned the king and all of the wedding guests to stone. One of the guests at the wedding was his grandfather, King Acrisius, thus satisfying the prophecy. Perseus gave Athena the bronze shield, which had the image of Medusa’s head burned into it, and threw the head into the sea where it creates coral along the sea floor.
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Parents
Zeus and Danae
Notable Myths
- Birth in the brass tower
- Medusa’s head
- Saving Andromeda
Symbols / Attributes
- Medusa’s head
- winged sandals
- moon sword
Companions
Andromeda
How Tos about Perseus: Greek Hero
How to Create an Interactive Perseus Myth Lesson for Your Class
Engage your students by planning an interactive lesson on Perseus and his adventures. A hands-on approach helps students remember key facts and themes from Greek mythology.
Choose a Key Perseus Myth to Explore
Select a story such as Perseus and Medusa, and briefly summarize it for your class. Focusing on one myth makes the lesson manageable and highlights important details.
Assign Roles for a Classroom Dramatization
Divide students into groups and assign characters like Perseus, Medusa, and Athena. Role-playing brings the myth to life and encourages participation from all learners.
Guide Students in Making Simple Props
Encourage creativity by letting students craft paper shields, swords, or masks. Hands-on activities help reinforce the story and keep students engaged.
Lead a Discussion on Perseus’s Choices and Challenges
Facilitate a conversation about the decisions Perseus made and what lessons students can learn from his journey. Connecting to character traits builds critical thinking and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perseus: Greek Hero
Who was Perseus in Greek mythology?
Perseus was a famous hero in Greek mythology best known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster. He was the son of Zeus and Danaë, and his adventures are celebrated in many ancient stories.
What are the main myths or stories about Perseus?
The most well-known myths about Perseus include his quest to behead Medusa, saving Andromeda from a sea monster, and using Medusa's head as a powerful weapon. These stories highlight his bravery and cleverness.
How did Perseus defeat Medusa?
Perseus used a mirrored shield given by Athena to avoid looking directly at Medusa, whose gaze could turn people to stone. He approached her while she slept and cut off her head, using tools gifted by the gods.
Why is Perseus important in Greek mythology?
Perseus is important because he represents courage, resourcefulness, and the favor of the gods. His adventures inspired many later myths and works of art, making him a key figure in ancient Greek culture.
What symbols or objects are connected with Perseus?
Perseus is often shown with the head of Medusa, a mirrored shield, a harpe sword, and winged sandals. These objects were gifts from the gods to help him on his quests.
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