Andromeda
heroAndromeda was an Ethiopian princess chained to a sea cliff as sacrifice to a monster — rescued by Perseus, who petrified the beast with Medusa's head.
The Myth
Her mother Cassiopeia boasted she was more beautiful than the Nereids. Poseidon sent the sea monster Cetus to ravage the coast. The oracle declared Andromeda must be sacrificed. Perseus, returning from killing Medusa, saw her chained to the rocks and fell in love. He killed Cetus with Medusa's head (or his sword) and married Andromeda. They had many children, and both were placed among the stars — their constellations still neighbour each other in the sky.
Parents
Cepheus and Cassiopeia
Children
Perses (ancestor of the Persians)
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Andromeda Galaxy — the nearest large galaxy to our own — is named after this princess. It's visible to the naked eye.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
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