Overview
The lecture recounts the Greek myth of Perseus, focusing on his birth, quest to slay Medusa, heroic deeds, and the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy.
The Oracle and Danae’s Imprisonment
- King Acrisius of Argos hears an oracle: he will have no sons, but a grandson will kill him.
- To avoid this, he imprisons his daughter Danae in a bronze house underground.
- Zeus visits Danae as a golden shower, and she gives birth to Perseus.
- Acrisius sets Danae and Perseus adrift at sea in a chest, fearing the prophecy.
Perseus’s Upbringing and King Polydectes
- Danae and Perseus are rescued by the fisherman Dictys on Seriphos island.
- Perseus grows up; King Polydectes falls in love with Danae and wants to remove Perseus.
- Polydectes sends Perseus to slay Medusa, hoping he will not return.
Quest for Medusa
- Medusa is one of three Gorgons; only Medusa can be killed.
- Hermes and Athena help Perseus by giving him advice and magical gifts.
- Perseus receives winged sandals, a magic wallet, and a helmet of invisibility from the nymphs after tricking the Gray Women for directions.
- Athena gives Perseus a reflective shield; Hermes gives him a curved sword.
Slaying Medusa
- Perseus uses the shield to view Medusa’s reflection and avoid turning to stone.
- He beheads Medusa and stores the head in the wallet.
- The other Gorgons pursue him, but Perseus escapes with winged sandals.
Rescue of Andromeda
- Perseus finds Andromeda chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster.
- He kills the monster and marries Andromeda as a reward.
Medusa's Head and Fulfillment of the Prophecy
- At Andromeda’s wedding, Perseus uses Medusa’s head to turn attackers, including Phineas, to stone.
- Perseus returns to Seriphos, uses Medusa’s head on Polydectes, and gives the head to Athena.
- Perseus accidentally fulfills the prophecy by killing Acrisius with a discus during games.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Oracle — A prophecy or prediction from the gods.
- Gorgons — Three monstrous sisters with snakes for hair; Medusa is the only mortal one.
- Medusa — The mortal Gorgon whose gaze turns people to stone.
- Gray Women — Three women sharing a single eye; reveal hidden knowledge.
- Winged Sandals — Magical footwear enabling flight.
- Helmet of Invisibility — Helmet that renders the wearer unseen.
- Magic Wallet — Bag that changes size to fit whatever is placed inside.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the myth of Perseus for major themes and characters.
- Study the definitions and magical items for quiz preparation.