mother of perseus
Rachel Fowler
Updated on August 14, 2026
Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danaë, the daughter of Acrisius of Argos. As an infant he was cast into the sea in a chest with his mother by Acrisius, to whom it had been prophesied that he would be killed by his grandson.
What happened to the mother of Perseus?
She was buried in this tomb, never to see the light again. However, Zeus, the king of the gods, desired her, and came to her in the form of golden rain which streamed in through the roof of the subterranean chamber and down into her womb. Soon after, their child Perseus was born.
Who is the wife of Perseus?
Andromeda, in Greek mythology, beautiful daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiope of Joppa in Palestine (called Ethiopia) and wife of Perseus.
Why was Danae punished?
“Danae was the daughter of Acrisius and Aganippe. A prophecy about her said that the child she bore would kill Acrisius, and Acrisius, fearing this, shut her in a stone-walled prison.
WHO adopted Perseus?
Acrisius had locked Danae away fearing a prophesy that her offspring would kill him. Perseus was raised by his mother, Danae, locked away with his existance unknown to Acrisius.
Who was the ugliest god?
Hephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.
What does Danae symbolize?
Danae represents a classical myth that inspired artists from every period. As told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Danae was a princess of Argos, whose father, Acrisius, imprisoned her into a bronze tower to avoid her from falling pregnant after an oracle had predicted his grandson would kill the king.
How did Zeus get Danae pregnant?
The answer he got was that his grandson would kill him. At that point, Danae was childless, and to keep the prophecy from coming true, Acrisius locked her in a tower. However, Zeus had seen Danae and had grown fond of her; so, during the night, he appeared to her in the form of golden rain and impregnated her.
How was Perseus born?
Origin at Argos
Zeus came to her in the form of a shower of gold, and fathered her son Perseus. Soon after, their child was born; Perseus—”Perseus Eurymedon, for his mother gave him this name as well”.
Are Perseus and Hercules brothers?
Hercules, better known to classicists as Heracles, technically had three parents, two mortal and one divine. He was raised by Amphitryon and Alcmene, a human king and queen who were cousins and grandchildren of Zeus’ son Perseus. But, according to the legends, Heracles’ biological father was actually Zeus himself.
Is Percy Jackson based on Perseus?
In the last 15 years, the Percy Jackson series has become one of the most popular book and movie franchises of our time. Fans of the series will know that Percy’s adventures mirror many of the deeds of the Greek hero Perseus, the inspiration for his character.
Who was Medusa in love with?
Medusa and Poseidon engaged in a love affair and would have two children together, but not before Athena discovered the illicit affair. When Athena discovered the affair, she was enraged and immediately cursed Medusa by taking away her beauty.
Who killed Perseus?
According to Hyginus, Fabulae 244, Megapenthes eventually killed Perseus, to avenge the death of his father.
Who was the king that wanted to marry Danae?
Polydectes (pol-ee-DECK-teez), evil king of the island of Seriphos (SERR-i-fos), fell madly in love with a beautiful woman named Danae (DAN-eye). He wanted to marry Danae, but wanted nothing to do with her adult son, Perseus.
What did Athena give to Perseus?
Athena gives Perseus her mirror shield to use so he can look through the shield at Medusa instead of directly upon her. Perseus slays Medusa, and returns her head still retaining its power, back to Athena. Medusa’s final resting place is upon Athena’s shield.
Is Perseus Zeus son?
Perseus was a demi-god, the son of Zeus and a mortal named Danae. Perseus killed the famed monster Medusa, the hideous gorgon with snakes for hair who turned anyone with the misfortune of looking into her eyes into stone. Cepheus and Cassiopeia were king and queen, and had a beautiful daughter, Andromeda.