Perseus and King Polydectes

After growing up on the island of Seriphos, Perseus, the son of Greek god Zeus and a mortal woman, became a brave warrior and set out to prove himself as a hero.

One day, while he was away on a quest, the island’s ruler, King Polydectes, set his sights on Perseus’ mother, Danaë, and made advances towards her. Danaë, who had been protected by Perseus, rejected the king’s advances, angering him.

Polydectes then devised a plan to get rid of Perseus. He pretended to marry another woman and commanded that all his subjects bring him wedding gifts. Knowing that Perseus had no wealth, Polydectes demanded that he bring him the head of the Gorgon, Medusa, as his gift.

Despite the seemingly impossible task, Perseus set out on his mission, with the help of the gods, including Zeus, Athena and Hermes. For example, he received a polished shield from Athena, a sword from Hermes, and winged sandals from the god of the sea, and he used these gifts to aid him in his quest.

After successfully beheading Medusa, Perseus returned to Seriphos and presented the head to Polydectes, turning him and his followers into stone with the power of the Gorgon’s gaze. Perseus then left the island, leaving Danaë in the care of Dictys, who had helped him throughout his journey.