Perseus

Greek mythology · hero · monster-slaying, divine favor

Son of Zeus by Danae, sent for the Gorgon's head as an impossible errand. Armed by the gods with winged sandals and a mirror-bright shield, he beheaded Medusa, rescued Andromeda from a sea monster, and founded the line that produced Heracles.

Stories

Perseus and the Gorgon

Sent for Medusa's head as an impossible tribute, Perseus is armed by the gods: winged sandals from Hermes, a mirror-bright shield from Athena. He strikes without meeting the petrifying gaze, and from the Gorgon's severed neck springs the winged horse Pegasus.