# Story of Perseus Continued explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Phineus, enraged that Perseus has married Andromeda, attacks the wedding feast with his followers. Perseus defends himself valiantly, aided by Pallas, and turns many of his attackers to stone using Medusa's head. The chapter concludes with Perseus using the Gorgon's head to punish the king of Seriphus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Revenge

Phineus's jealous rage leads to a bloody battle, and Perseus retaliates with lethal force, culminating in the petrification of his enemies.

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Perseus's divine aid (from Pallas and the Gorgon's head) overcomes human arrogance, as seen in Phineus's futile attack and the king of Seriphus's skepticism.

## Character check-ins

### Perseus

Defends himself against Phineus and his followers, using Medusa's head to turn them to stone.

### Andromeda

The bride of Perseus, whose previous betrothal to Phineus sparks the conflict.

### Phineus

Brother of Cepheus, leads the attack on Perseus out of jealousy over Andromeda.

### Cepheus

Father of Andromeda, tries to reason with Phineus and defends Perseus's claim.

### Minerva

Supports her brother Perseus in battle, shielding him with her aegis.

## Key lines

> Chief in the riot Phineus first appear'd, The rash ringleader of this boist'rous herd, And brandishing his brazen-pointed lance, "Behold," he said, "an injured man advance, Stung with resentment for his ravish'd wife; Nor shall thy wings, O Perseus, save thy life; Nor Jove himself, though we've been often told, Who got thee in the form of tempting gold."

Phineus, the main instigator of the uproar, steps forward waving his spear and declares himself a wronged man whose bride was stolen, threatening that not even Perseus's winged sandals or his divine parentage from Jove will save him.

_Phineus's accusation and threat set the stage for the violent confrontation._

> Pallas her brother Perseus close attends, And with her ample shield from harm defends, Raising a sprightly courage in his heart

Minerva stays near her brother Perseus, protecting him with her shield and inspiring him with boldness.

_Divine intervention aids Perseus in the battle._

> When Perseus to his host the monster held, They soon were statues, and their king expell'd.

When Perseus showed the Gorgon's head to the attacking crowd, they instantly turned to stone, and their king was driven out.

_The climax of the battle where Perseus uses Medusa's head to petrify his enemies._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-perseus-continued
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters