# Story of Perseus explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Acrisius, grandfather of Perseus, finally acknowledges the divinity of Bacchus and the divine lineage of Perseus, born of Jove. Perseus, victorious with the Gorgon's head, flies over Libya, where drops of blood from the Gorgon's head create venomous serpents on the barren plains.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Acrisius's initial denial of Bacchus and Perseus's divine origins exemplifies human folly in opposing divine power, leading to eventual acknowledgment.

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

The gory drops from the Gorgon's head transform into venomous serpents, illustrating metamorphosis from blood to living creatures.

## Character check-ins

### Perseus

The victor Perseus, carrying the Gorgon head, flies over Libya and inadvertently creates serpents from the dripping gore.

### Acrisius

The grandfather of Perseus, who initially denied Bacchus and Perseus's divine origin, now repents and acknowledges their divinity.

### Bacchus

The conquering god who rode through India and was honored in Greece, but was profaned by Acrisius.

### Jove

The great Thunderer, father of Perseus, who impregnated Danae with a golden shower.

## Key lines

> The victor Perseus, with the Gorgon head, O'er Libyan sands his airy journey sped. The gory drops distill'd, as swift he flew, And from each drop envenom'd serpents grew.

As Perseus flew swiftly over the Libyan desert carrying the Gorgon's head, blood dripped down, and each drop turned into a poisonous snake.

_Describes the origin of venomous snakes in Libya from the Gorgon's blood._

> In Argos only proud Acrisius reign'd, Who all the consecrated rites profaned.

Only in Argos did the proud king Acrisius rule, and he defiled all the sacred rituals.

_Highlights Acrisius's impiety against Bacchus._

## Links

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