Danaë
heroDanaë was a princess locked in a bronze tower by her father to prevent a prophecy — but Zeus came to her as a shower of golden rain, and she bore Perseus.
The Myth
King Acrisius of Argos, told his grandson would kill him, locked Danaë in a bronze chamber. Zeus entered as a shower of gold. She bore Perseus. Acrisius set them adrift in a chest on the sea, but they washed ashore on Seriphos. Perseus grew up to slay Medusa and accidentally killed Acrisius with a discus — fulfilling the prophecy. The image of Danaë receiving the golden rain became one of the most painted subjects in European art.
Parents
Acrisius and Eurydice
Symbols
Fun Fact
Klimt, Titian, Rembrandt, and Correggio all painted Danaë receiving Zeus's golden rain — it's one of art's most revisited scenes.
Explore Further
Eurydice
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Medusa
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Perseus
heroThe legendary hero who slew the Gorgon Medusa and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster. Perseus...
Zeus
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