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The STORY OF Perseus
Danae was the daughter of King Acrisius. Acrisius had his future told that his daughter would bear a child, and this child would then kill him. Acrisius wishing to keep his life and position of power, locked Danae in a bronze tower. Zeus had noticed Danae's beauty and wished to have relations with her. Zeus could not enter the bronze tower in his natural form so he sent himself as a shower of gold. This shower of gold then in turn impregnated Danae. When Acrisius noticed light coming out of the tower and upon investigating found Danae holding her new son, Perseus.
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Acrisius, now furious and frightened for his life, casts Danae and Perseus in a chest off to sea. Danae and Perseus arrive in Seriphos ruled by King Polydectes. Polydectes wishes to force Danae into marriage with him. Polydectes commands that each guest must bring an expensive gift, and Perseus being poor can not do so. After heated conversation between Perseus and Polydectes, Perseus is commanded to bring the greatest gift, the head of Medusa.
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To start on his quest, Perseus first goes to meet with Hermes and Athena. Hermes gives Perseus his winged sandals and Athena gives Perseus her shield. Athena instructs that Perseus uses the shield to see the reflection of medusa and not look into her eyes. Perseus then goes to the Graeae and holds their one eye hostage. From Perseus retrieves the information as to where the Nymphs of the West are. Perseus then travels to the Nymphs of the West where he receives a magic bag to place Medusa's head in, and the Cap of Darkness to be invisible to Medusa. finally Perseus is able to slay Medusa and bag the head with these items and Athena's tactic. Perseus heads back to the wedding on his winged sandals and claims he has a gift for the king. Both Acrisius, a guest, and Polydectes turn around and are turned to stone. Thus Danae was saved from Polydectes, and Acrisius' prophecy was fulfilled.
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