We have all heard stories about the flying horse Pegasus, and the terrifying gorgon, Medusa. But who was the person that actually defeated Medusa, and where did Pegasus come from? To know this, we must take a look at one of the greatest heroes from Greek mythology, Perseus.
Perseus's mother, Danaë, was an Argive princess who had been prophesized to bear a son that would one day slay his own grandfather, and she had therefore been locked away within a brass tower. Zeus, who had fallen for her beauty, swooped in through the open ceiling of the tower in the shape of golden rain which streamed down into her womb, impregnating her within mere seconds.
In fear of his life, Danaë’s father banished her and Perseus to sea where the child wouldn’t be able to grow up to fulfill his prophecy. They ended up on the island of Seriphos with the help of Poseidon, where the fisherman Dictys raised Perseus to manhood as his own son.
When Perseus was grown, the king of Seriphos, Polydectes, fell in love with his mother and demanded that she would be his. Seeing him as a dishonorable man, Perseus instead offered the king a gift that would be worthy enough for him to return his mother to his side. At this Polydectes asked for the one thing he knew Perseus wouldn’t be able to get ahold of - the head of the gorgon Medusa.
Being a demigod, Perseus managed to receive the guidance of the goddess Athena who told him to seek out the Hesperides (the nymphs of the west). Not knowing where to find them, Perseus had to steal the single eye from the witches Graeae and persuade them into leading him to them. He kept his promise and returned the eye to the witches when the Hesperides were found and they gave him five items that would help him defeat the gorgon. A sturdy knapsack that could safely contain the head of Medusa; an adamantine sword that was sharp and deadly; a helm that allowed its wearer to become invisible; a pair of winged sandals; and a large and polished shield.
Equipped with his new weapons and items, Perseus set off towards the cave where he knew the gorgon sisters had made their lair. He snuck backwards into the cave while looking through the reflection of the polished shield, which prevented the gorgon’s petrifying gaze to take hold of him. After a long and strainful battle, he managed to cut off Medusa’s head with the adamantine sword. From her neck flew the winged horse Pegasus and the golden sword Chrysaor, who were the legitimate sons of Poseidon. He quickly stuffed her head within the knapsack, put the helmet on to turn himself invisible, and flew out from the cave with his winged sandals before Medusa’s two sisters managed to find him. Perseus then began his journey back home, which was about to take him on another journey that will change his life completely, but that story is for another time. Text: Christoffer Ek. MENAM Archaeology. Copyright 2022. Image: Copy of Pietro da Cortona, Unknown - Nationalmuseum.
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