Polydectes
heroKing of Seriphos who desired Danae and sent Perseus to fetch Medusa's head, expecting the quest to kill him.
The Myth
He sent a teenager to kill a monster that turned people to stone — because the boy's mother would not sleep with him. Polydectes, brother of the kind fisherman Dictys, lusted after Danae and wanted Perseus removed. He demanded each subject bring a gift of a horse, knowing Perseus could not afford one. Perseus rashly promised anything — even the head of Medusa. Polydectes held him to it. With help from Athena and Hermes, Perseus succeeded. He returned to find Polydectes forcing Danae into marriage. Perseus walked into the feast, told everyone to look away, and held up Medusa's head. Polydectes and his supporters turned to stone. The man who weaponized a quest died by the weapon the quest produced.
Parents
Magnes
Symbols
Fun Fact
Polydectes is the only villain in myth killed by the very weapon he tried to use as a death sentence.
Explore Further
Dictys
heroFisherman of Seriphos who rescued Danae and infant Perseus from the sea and raised the boy as his...
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