Acrisius

Acrisius was a king of Argos in Greek mythology, son of Abas and Aglaia (or Ocalea), and twin brother of Proetus. He is primarily known as the father of Danaë and the grandfather of Perseus.

Mythology

According to legend, Acrisius and his brother Proetus were rivals and constantly at odds, even from the womb. They fought over the throne of Argos, which eventually led to Proetus being exiled (or, in some versions, Acrisius usurping the throne). Proetus then went to the court of King Iobates in Lycia, where he married Iobates' daughter, Stheneboea. Proetus returned with an army and forced Acrisius to share the kingdom. Proetus ruled Tiryns, while Acrisius remained king of Argos.

Acrisius, desiring a male heir but unable to produce one with his wife Eurydice, consulted the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle foretold that Danaë would bear a son who would eventually kill him. To prevent this prophecy from being fulfilled, Acrisius imprisoned Danaë in a tower (or a brazen chamber, depending on the account) to prevent her from conceiving.

However, Zeus, king of the gods, was attracted to Danaë. He visited her in the form of golden rain and impregnated her. Danaë gave birth to Perseus.

Acrisius, upon discovering the birth of Perseus, refused to believe the story of Zeus's intervention. He placed Danaë and Perseus in a chest and cast them adrift at sea. The chest eventually washed ashore on the island of Seriphos, where they were rescued by Dictys, a fisherman and brother of King Polydectes.

Years later, Perseus grew into a young man. He accidentally killed Acrisius with a stray discus during athletic games in Larissa. This fulfilled the Oracle's prophecy despite Acrisius's attempts to avoid it.

Significance

The myth of Acrisius is significant for its exploration of fate, prophecy, and the futility of trying to escape one's destiny. It is also an important part of the larger Perseus myth cycle.