Perseus (constellation)

Mythology

The Perseus of myth is the protagonist of one of the most famous of the ancient Greeks' many interesting myths. Perseus itself, considering fainter but visible (to the naked eye) stars, has the appearance of a man holding a round object away from him. Surrounding the constellation are others such as Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Pegasus, and Andromeda, whose positions and design may have formed the basis of some or all of the myths surrounding Perseus.

Related Topics:
Perseus - Cassiopeia - Cepheus - Pegasus - Andromeda

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Perseus was the son of mortal Danae and the god Zeus. He went on a quest to obtain the head of the gorgon Medusa as a wedding present for Dictys, the brother of king Polydectes of Seriphos (the quest was actually only a ruse on Dictys' side). With a bit of help of the gods Hermes and Athena he finally managed to kill the gorgon and take her head. On the way back he rescued Andromeda (daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, king and queen of Ethiopia) from a sea-monster. For more details on these myth see Perseus (mythology) and Boast of Cassiopeia.

Related Topics:
Danae - Zeus - Gorgon - Medusa - Hermes - Athena - Perseus (mythology) - Boast of Cassiopeia

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