Danae

Danae

According to Greek mythology, Danae was the daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos. After an oracle warned her father that she would bear a son by whom he would be slain, he confined Danae in a tower. Her prison however, was easily infiltrated by the Zeus, who seduce her in the guise of a golden shower, and she gave birth to Perseus. According to some versions she was impregnated by her uncle Proseus. Mother and child were then placed in a wooden box and cast unto the sea. 

They drifted ashore on the island of Seriphus, and Perseus grew up there. The island king Polydectes was charmed by Danae but she had on interest in him. Polydectes agree not to marry her only he her son would bring the head of the Gorgon Medusa. Using Athena's shield, Hermes's winged sandals, and Hades' helmet of invisibility Perseus was able to evade Medusa's gaze and beheaded her. 

Perseus with Medusa's head

According to other version,   Perseus was angry that he had been sent on quest to kill Medusa. So that his mother, Danae was alone to be pursued by Polydectes. Perseus turned Polydectes and his allies to stone with Medusa's head. Perseus rescued his mother and took her to Argos. However learning of the prophecy instead went to  Larissa, where athletic games were being held. By chance, Acrisius was there and Perseus accidentally struck him on the head with his javelin and kill his grandfather.

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