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Perseus

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Perseus With the Head of Medusa

Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini

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Definition: Perseus, one of the heroes of Greek mythology, was the son of Zeus and Danae and the grandson of King Acrisius of Argos. King Polydectes of Seriphus sent Perseus on a presumed suicide mission to fetch the head of Medusa, since to look at the head of Medusa was to turn a man to stone. With the help of Athena and Hermes, Perseus looked into a mirror while severing the head of the Gorgon Medusa, placed it in a bag, and fled on winged sandals from the two remaining Gorgons. Perseus then landed in Ethiopia where he rescued Andromeda, and finally returned to Polydectes. Perseus turned Polydectes to stone by showing the head the king had asked for. Perseus had 6 sons and a daughter with Andromeda. His eldest son was Perses, the ancestor of the Persians.

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