THE REAL MYTH

In Greek myths, Perseus was the son of Princess Danaë and Zeus, ruler of the gods.

Perseus grew up on the island of Seriphus. Its ruler, King Polydectes, wanted to marry Danaë. When Perseus attempted to stop him, Polydectes dared the young hero to bring back the head of Medusa.

Medusa was a horrible monster with snakes for hair. She was so frightening that anyone who gazed into her eyes was turned to stone.

Perseus had help on his quest. He was given winged sandals, a sword, and a bronze shield by the gods to help him on his quest. To find Medusa’s lair, Perseus visited the Graeae. These three witches had one eye and one tooth that they shared and were sisters of Medusa. They told Perseus that Atlas could tell him where to find Medusa.

Atlas sent Perseus to the end of the world, to Medusa’s lair.

Perseus couldn’t look at the horrible monster, or he would be turned to stone. Instead, he used the bronze shield as a mirror to find Medusa. Then he cut off her head.

Afterward, Perseus returned to Seriphus with Medusa’s head. He showed it to Polydectes and turned the king to stone. His mother was saved!