Perseus is undoubtedly one of the most significant heroes of Greek mythology who is especially recognized for beheading Medusa, the sole mortal Gorgon.
Interestingly, Perseus further used the severed head of Medusa in several adventures including the killing of the sea monster, Cetus which led to freeing Andromeda, the Aethiopian princess. Andromeda eventually went on to become Perseus' wife, bearing him six sons and a daughter.
Perseus was born to Zeus and the mortal Danae which made him a half-god by birth itself. Many people are astonished at how Perseus is both the half-brother and the great grandfather of Hercules!
Well, of the six sons that were born to Perseus and Andromeda, one of them was Electryon who further went on and had a daughter named Alcmene.
With the advent of time, there was a union of Zeus and Alcmene who then gave birth to Heracles, perhaps the most complete hero of Greek mythology.
There is also a constellation located in the northern sky which is named after the Greek god, Perseus, and is the closest neighbor to the Andromeda constellation. Scroll down to know more about Perseus, the son of Zeus.
Mythological Significance Of Perseus
The demigod Perseus has been recognized as an integral part of ancient Greece and rightfully so. Throughout his lifetime, Perseus undertook several tasks that went on to influence Greek mythology forever. Ranging from the beheading of Medusa to the killing of the sea monster, Perseus is known as a hero in Greek mythology.
Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae, he was a half-god and his actions proved the same. Perseus is most significantly recognized for putting an end to the mortal Gorgon, Medusa leading to the birth of Chrysaor, and the well-known winged horse Pegasus.
Perseus further used the head of Medusa to turn Polydectes and King Atlas into stone.
Although Perseus, later on, gave the head of Medusa to Athena as she placed it in the center of her shield. At the same time, Perseus also freed Andromeda from the clutches of the sea monster, Cetus.
Did you know, Perseus also founded the Peloponnesian city of Mycenae which is best known for being the home of the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War, Agamemnon. Later on in his life, Perseus accidentally went on to kill his grandfather Acrisius while both were present at an athletic competition.
Perseus released a discus which was swept away by the force of wind and ended the life of Acrisius.
Following the death of his grandfather, Perseus traveled to Argos in order to claim the inheritance.
Interestingly, following Perseus' death he was made immortal and according to old myths, was put among the stars. Even today, there is a constellation present in the northern sky which is identified by the name Perseus.
Perseus' mythological significance carried on even though the kids he raised. Perseus was father to seven sons and two daughters including the likes of Heleus, Mestor, Gorgophone, Perses, Sthenelus of Mycenae, Alcaeus, Cynurus, Electryon, and Autochthe.
Interestingly, Electryon had a daughter named Alcmene who had a son with Zeus who would go on to become one of the greatest Greek warriors ever, Hercules.
In modern-day, such has been the excitement and the zeal to learn about Greek mythology, that movies have been made about the same with some of them primarily focusing on the adventures of Perseus.
One such was the 2010 Louis Leterrier film 'Clash of the Titans', which was a remake of the 1981 version released by the same name. In the 2010 'Clash of the Titans', it was Sam Worthington, the Australian actor, who played the role of Perseus.
Constellations Associated With Perseus
Perseus is one of the oldest constellations known to man. It is among the 48 Greek constellations which were listed by Claudius Ptolemy several centuries ago. Scientists believe that the Perseus constellation is the 24th largest constellation in the entire night sky, stretching for 615 square degrees.
The best time to view the Perseus constellation is during the spring season and from the Northern Hemisphere as it is located in the Northern Hemisphere's first quadrant between the latitudes -35 and +90. There are around 19 main stars in the Perseus constellation with Mirphak being the brightest of all these stars.
At the same time, scientists have confirmed that there are five extrasolar planets and several deep space objects within the constellation.
There are several constellations that are regarded as neighbors to the Perseus constellation, including Auriga, Andromeda, Aries, Taurus, Camelopardalis, Triangulum, and Cassiopeia.
At the same time, there are a couple of meteor showers that are associated with the Perseus constellation, the September Perseids and the Perseids. Some of the stars of the Perseus constellation are Atik, Iota Persei, V718 Persei, 30 Persei, and many more as well.
Characteristics Of Perseus
Perseus was born in Argos within a bronze enclosure. Acrisius had been told that his daughter's child would be the messenger of his death, in order to avoid that from happening Acrisius captured his daughter within a bronze enclosure with no contact with the outside world.
But, there was a hole in the roof over the cage in which Danae was kept, it was enough for Zeus to enter the cage and impregnate Danae with Perseus.
On learning about his daughter's son, Acrisius threw both of them into the sea trapped in a wooden box.
It is believed that Poseidon, the sea god helped them have a comfortable journey and reach the land of Seriphos. Perseus then grew up on Seriphos where he acquired most of his traits and characteristics.
Some of the best attributes of Perseus were that he was persistent, courageous, persuasive and he was one of the finest fighters of ancient Greece.
But at the same time, Perseus was believed to be a bit misleading which was one of his rare weaknesses.
Moreover, Perseus was a skilled man who was a man of his word by all means. Once when Polydectes, the king of Seriphos asked Perseus for the supposedly impossible task of getting him the head of the only mortal Gorgon, Medusa, Perseus eventually went on to behead Medusa and bring her head to Polydectes.
It is also believed that Perseus was a just man with a good heart, he often helped people unconditionally, without asking for any service or favor in exchange.
It is understood that Perseus was a man who was held in high regard by all the gods and the same could be seen when he went to kill Medusa.
Zeus provided Perseus with an adamantine sword and the helm of the darkness of Hades to kill the mortal Gorgon and hide when required respectively. At the same time, he also received a pair of winged sandals from Hermes so that he could fly.
Perseus then received a polished shield from Athena so that he could defend himself if the need be.
FAQs
What are three facts about Perseus?
The three most interesting facts about Perseus are, he is the son of Zeus and half-brother, great grandfather of Heracles who went on to kill Medusa as well as the sea monster, Cetus. At the same time, he is also renowned for being the founder of the Peloponnesian city of Mycenae.
How many children does Perseus have?
Perseus had a total of nine children including seven sons and a couple of daughters. His children included Heleus, Mestor, Gorgophone, Perses, Sthenelus of Mycenae, Alcaeus, Cynurus, Electryon, and Autochthe.
Why is Perseus a hero?
Greek mythology considers Perseus to be one of the greatest heroes primarily for beheading the mortal Gorgon, Medusa who turned anyone and everyone into stone that looked into her eyes. At the same time, Perseus rescued Andromeda from the infamous sea monster, Cetus earning him the title of a Greek hero.
Who plays Perseus in the 'Clash Of The Titans'?
The Australian actor Sam Worthington, played the role of Perseus in the 2010 Louis Leterrier film 'Clash Of The Titans'.
Where is the Perseus constellation located?
The Perseus constellation is located in the first quadrant of the Northern Hemisphere from the latitudes of +90 and -35.
Where was Perseus born?
Perseus was born in Argos within a bronze cage to Danae and Zeus.
Who is the father of Perseus?
Perseus was born to Danae and Zeus, the king of all Greek gods.
