1. Heroes: In mythology, a man or woman, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his or her bold exploits, and favored by the gods.”

2. The Story of Perseus Acrisius, king of Argos Daughter, Danae (pronounced “dan-yay”) Oracle of Apollo at Delphi Prophesy: son will kill Acrisius Bronze tower

3. Perseus cont… Shower of gold, man with thunderbolt Creates “Elysian Fields” inside tower Acrisius sees light, comes in, finds Danae with baby Baby is named Perseus Acrisius sends them out to sea

4. Perseus cont… Island of Seriphos King Polydectes, brother Dictys (fisherman) Polyd. rejected by Danae Fake wedding - Perseus doesn’t bring gift Polyd. Sends him on suicide mission- bring head of gorgon, Medusa

5. Gorgon… Each of three sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, with snakes for hair, who had the power to turn anyone who looked at them to stone.

6. Medusa Daughter of Phorkys & Keto, children of Gaia and Oceanos Only mortal of the three Gorgon sisters Was once very beautiful Wanted to visit sun, angers Athena Athena punishes her

7. Back to Perseus Perseus goes on voyage Meets Hermes & Athena Finds out he has divine ancestry Receives gifts –Winged sandals –Sickle of Cronos –Reflective shield

8. Mini-Quest Find the Graeae English translation: "old women", "grey ones", or "grey witches"; were three sisters who shared one eye and one tooth among them... Sisters of the Gorgons Cap of darkness, magic pouch, directions to Nymphs

9. Another side-trip Perseus travels north, finds Nymphs Gets cap of darkness & pouch Finds island of Gorgons Using reflective shield, kills Medusa Keeps head in magic pouch

10. Perseus and Atlas Garden of golden apples Prophesy about being robbed by a son of Zeus Tries to throw Perseus out Perseus uses Medusa’s head to turn him to stone

11. Perseus and Andromeda P. travels to Ethiopia King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia Conflict with sea-nymphs Daughter Andromeda to be sacrificed

12. The Wedding Oops…she was already engaged Phineus (fiance) shows up, furious Has some of his friends to help out Hides behind altar, pretending to be afraid, but this is a signal Perseus uses gorgon head, accidentally turns one of his friends to stone (Aconteus)

13. Wedding cont… Phineus begs for mercy Perseus says “No weapon shall touch you”