Metamorphoses · Chapter
Andromeda Rescued from the Sea Monster explained
Perseus, returning from slaying Medusa, sees Andromeda chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster.
What happens
Perseus, returning from slaying Medusa, sees Andromeda chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. He offers to rescue her in exchange for her hand in marriage, which her parents accept. Perseus battles and kills the monster, then marries Andromeda. The chapter also describes how Medusa's head turns seaweed into coral.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Medusa's head turns seaweed into coral, illustrating the theme of transformation.
Love and Desire
Perseus is motivated by love for Andromeda, and their marriage is the chapter's resolution.
Violence and Revenge
The violent battle between Perseus and the sea monster, and the use of Medusa's head as a weapon.
Characters to notice
- Perseus
The hero who rescues Andromeda from the sea monster and later marries her.
- Andromeda
The princess chained to a rock as a sacrifice, rescued by Perseus.
- Jove
Father of Perseus, mentioned as the son of thundering Jove.
- Medusa
The Gorgon whose severed head turns things to stone, used by Perseus.
- Mercury
One of the gods to whom Perseus builds an altar.
- Minerva
One of the gods to whom Perseus builds an altar.
Key passages
“Chain'd to a rock she stood; young Perseus stay'd His rapid flight, to view the beauteous maid.”
Andromeda was chained to a rock, and Perseus paused his flight to look at her.
Perseus first sees Andromeda in her predicament.
“In me the son of thundering Jove behold, Got in a kindly shower of fruitful gold”
Perseus declares himself the son of Jove, conceived in a shower of gold.
Perseus reveals his divine parentage to Andromeda's parents.
“The pliant sprays of coral yet declare Their stiff'ning nature, when exposed to air.”
The flexible coral branches harden when exposed to air, showing their petrifying nature.
Explanation of how coral was formed from Medusa's head.