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Ian Peterson
Stewart
Classical Mythology
29 October 2014
Perseus Essay
What are the characteristics that form a true hero? Throughout ancient Greek
mythology, figures such as Zeus and Athena took the ticket for what makes a true hero
due to their eminent and celebrated abilities; they were admired throughout the land
because of their brave, noble, and courageous deeds. To truly identify an individual as a
hero, however, one must take into consideration how this person went out of his/her
own way to influence/impact another persons life. A particular individual will gain the
title, hero, if they do what is right and just in the most difficult of situations. Perseus is
famously known throughout Greek mythology for the decapitation of the wretched
Gorgon Medusa, who's head could turn an individual into stone. The lineage of Perseus
includes Zeus (Greek god) and Danae (mortal), which makes him a demigod. Because
he is a demigod, Perseus has certain god-like strengths, yet possesses mortal qualities
that lessen or sometimes improve their abilities of a god. One can describe a demigod
as a minor deity. Time and time again do we see this particular demigod build up the
courage to confront a specific threat to his own self, as well as others. It is because of
these human-like trait(s) that the audience can relate to the demigod with ease.
Through similar and relatable journeys, Perseus and the audience can share
fascinating bonds.

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Perseus came into existence through a quite unusual birth. Acrisius, the king of
Argos, was warned by the Oracle of Delphi that the son of his daughter, Danae, would
kill him. In fear of the Oracles vision, he decides to lock away Danae in a bronze
chamber, isolating her from the world around her so no man could come in contact with
her; however, Zeus saw this innocent woman and instantly fell in love with her. He then
proceeds to display his sympathy towards Danae by taking form of golden rain, falling
upon Danae and seducing her. It was because of this peculiar occurrence that Perseus
was born. Perseus contains all the right traits and qualities of a hero: he is persistent,
exceptionally courageous, mightily stalwart, and properly utilizes the power of
persuasion. Although a demigod, Perseus does not possess a significant weakness: he
is subject to deceptiveness.
It is undeniable that the beheading of the menacing Medusa proved to be one of
the pinnacle works in Perseus career. With that being said, there is another tale that is
of equal importance in the legend of Perseus: his account with Andromeda. Being the
daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus, queen and king of Ethiopia, it was said that
Andromeda was more beautiful than all the Nereids, or sea nymphs. It was Cassiopeia
that boastfully bragged about this, and when word spread to the sea god Poseidon, he
unleashed the ravenous sea creature named Cetus to destroy the land of Ethiopia. In
attempt to save his land, king Cephus appealed to Zeus, but his only response was to
sacrifice his daughter, Andromeda, to appease Poseidons outrage. So, the king
decided to chain Andromeda to the rocks laying beside the sea, waiting helplessly to be

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devoured. On his journey back from slaying Medusa, Perseus noticed the woman in
harms way and responded quickly, flying to Andromeda to save her life. When he came
to her sight, Perseus noticed how beautiful this Andromeda was and instantly fell in love
with her. After slaying the gruesome beast Cetus, Perseus brought Andromeda back to
her foolish father, asking for her hand in marriage; however, this displeased Phineus,
Andromedas uncle, who was previously promised to marry her. In the end, Perseus

revealed Medusas head to Phineus, thus turning him to stone, and Perseus and
Andromeda then wed each other. Based on the research done on this assignment
relating to Perseus adventures, this one proves to be the most relatable to my own life.

Through this arbitrary journey to save an innocent womans life, Perseus gained
the ability to love. Again, the second he gazed upon the alluring Andromeda, he
instantly fell for her. What was the cause of this occurrence? The answer is as simple
as so: it was love at first sight. Perseus was enlightened with the element of deep
adoration, and little did he know it change his life forever. Beforehand, Perseus was a
courageous, noble warrior who fought in battles which required considerable strength.
But, in the blink of an eye, he noticed a woman in the distance who happened to be the
one who he would marry. This event was almost a freak accident for the reason that he
was flying above the land of Ethiopia using the winged sandals in which nymphs
presented to him. If he were not there at that exact and opportune moment, the two
lovers would be nonexistent, which shows us how powerful love can be, even
spontaneous lust. In the mortal world, love exists amongst us humans in an eternal

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realm, and is possibly the closest in which we can approach godliness in the various
myths recorded. Like almost all hero stories to have ever existed, Perseus went out of
his way to acquire this woman; no matter the obstacle he had to face to attain
Andromeda and her love, Perseus yearned for this woman and would stop at nothing
until he had her.
I share a similar story in my own life to that of Perseus and Andromedas. Like
Perseus, I find myself to be quite valiant, determined, and strong (hearted). I, too, have
found love, and at a young age. I am now eighteen years young, but obtained such a
goal at the age of seventeen. Although I did not have to kill a Gorgon monster that
literally turns individuals into stone to discover my lovers existence, the story is similar
in that this love was not meant to be. This significant other came into my life at the
opportune moment, too. Yes, we met in high school, and yes I had been familiar with
this girl for three years, but like Perseus and Andromeda, it was a freak accident. Once
upon a time, at a social gathering, I saw her standing alone, almost as if the persons
surrounding the area treated her like a breeze in the wind. She was nonexistent. But
from a distance, I saw her. It was at that specific moment that I knew I had to make a
move. I gazed at her beautiful brown eyes in amazement, and knew that it was
necessary to go out of my way if I wanted to seize her heart. I must add that however
confident I am in myself in front of women, she was different. I had known this particular
female for quite some time, but had never been so bold as to even say hello to her. She
was as beautiful as the star lit sky, so what was she to do with a young man like myself?
But, like Zeus bolt of lightning from the sky, she entered my life. When our eyes met,

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lust and love filled the atmosphere (or so it seemed). I was in shock by the look she
gave me. It was not a glance of weariness, rather of interest, affection, and passion. It
was at that moment that I knew she was intrigued.
Perseus and Andromeda shared a connection that only few live to see. Love at
first sight can truly exist if it is meant to be. It is true that I had known this girl for three
years before actually confronting her, but when I did it felt as if every other issue in the
world had faded away. It was as if the world only existed of goodness and endearment.
It was almost as if I found my soulmate at that specific point in time. Maybe that may be
a bit too bold of a statement, considering I have only lived to see 6,570 suns give or
take. But I will stand by the fact that such a thing can be attainable. Perseus faced a
massive beast to be with the one that he longed for, and he had absolutely zero
knowledge of who this girl was, what she was like, what she enjoyed, etc. When I
noticed this girl standing unaccompanied, I knew that I should not be afraid to interact
with her, and that no matter how nerve-racking it was to even force out the word,
Hello, she was worth the risk of embarrassing myself in front of others. If I had not of
said anything, we would not be together to this day.
Through correlating campaigns, Perseus and I share distinct connections.
Perseus is debatably noted as one of the greatest heroes to have ever been mentioned
in Greek mythology. Although no deity, he possesses numerous traits of a god that
make him superior to mortal beings. Even though Perseus has great physical strength,
his courage and determination reign true as his most prominent qualities of both a god
and human. Despite the bravery and valor in which he displayed by killing both Medusa
and Cetus, humans alike can easily relate to his fearless pursuit of love. Like

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Andromeda, the girl which I fell for required both fortitude and endurance to win her
over. However intimidating a situation may be, one must find the courage to do what
they desire for the better of oneself and/or those they are close to.