Perseus and King Acrisius of Argos
Perseus was a hero in Greek mythology, known for his slaying of the Gorgon Medusa and his many other heroic deeds. King Acrisius of Argos was his grandfather.
According to myth, Acrisius had received a prophecy that he would be killed by his grandson, so he locked his daughter Danaë (Perseus’ mother) in a bronze chamber to prevent her from having any children. However, Zeus, who was enamored with Danae, visited her in the form of golden rain and impregnated her.
When Acrisius learned of his daughter’s pregnancy, he was furious and cast her and the infant Perseus out to sea in a wooden chest. Miraculously, they survived and were eventually taken in by the island of Seriphos.
Perseus grew up on the island and became a renowned hero. He was eventually tasked with slaying the Gorgon Medusa and returned to his homeland of Argos, where he accidentally fulfilled the prophecy by throwing a discus that struck Acrisius in the head, killing him.
Thus, the prophecy came true, and Perseus became king of Argos, which he traded with the realm of his cousin, Megapenthes. Known as the son of Proetus, Megapenthes was the ruler of Tiryns. Perseus then became the king of Tiryns.
