Perseus In Medusa's Head

Perseus the protagonist in the myth “Medusa’s Head” embarks on a menacing journey as for the king’s request. Throughout this myth Perseus portraits many attributes which is beneficial for him to accomplish his goal of cutting Medusa’s head. The first trait Perseus displays is determination. Throughout the myth Perseus was determined to prove his worthiness to the king Polydectes who took him in and gave him and his mother a place to stay, when they had nowhere to go. Later on the king was given gifts by his people except for Perseus who had nothing to give, since he had possessed nothing. Polydectes told everyone how Perseus owed him more than anyone. With this in mind, Perseus told the king how he would do anything, and the king replied

Nevertheless given his promise, and though he saw now the satisfaction of king Polydectes, he was bound to keep his word” (Coolidge 157). This determination is what never made him to stop to think how dangerous and risky it was to get the Gordons head. In addition his determination was also a part as to why he succeeds his task. Another characteristic trait that Perseus possesses is courage. Throughout the myth Perseus knew how dangerous it could be to get Medusa’s Head, as mentioned in the book “So terrible was her expression that all who looked on it were immediately turned to stone” (156). Although knowing that the Gods are supporting him, and gave him gifts made Perseus more courageous. His courage is what made him to continue on in his journey without looking, and lastly Perseus was clever. In the myth, the goddess Athene came to Perseus in a vision and told him that the sister Phorcides will tell him the way to the Nymphs who guards the gifts needed to get Medusa’s head. So Perseus went to the sisters for an answer on how to find the