Andromeda is a princess in Greek mythology best known for being rescued from a sea monster by the hero Perseus. Her story combines themes of sacrifice, beauty, and divine punishment. As a result of her mother’s arrogance, Andromeda was chained to a rock as an offering to appease the gods. Her rescue and marriage to Perseus transformed her into a foundational figure in heroic and royal lineages.
Family and Relations
- Father: Cepheus, king of Aethiopia
- Mother: Cassiopeia, who boasted that her daughter was more beautiful than the Nereids
- Husband: Perseus, legendary slayer of Medusa
- Children:
- Perses – ancestor of the Persian people
- Other sons include Heleus, Alcaeus, Mestor, and Sthenelus (depending on the version)
Key Myths and Deeds
- Cassiopeia’s Boast: Andromeda’s mother, Cassiopeia, claimed her daughter was more beautiful than the sea nymphs (Nereids). Offended, the gods sent the sea monster Cetus to ravage their land.
- Chained to a Rock: To appease the gods and stop the destruction, Andromeda was chained naked to a rock on the shore as a sacrifice to the monster.
- Rescue by Perseus: Perseus, returning from slaying Medusa, spotted Andromeda and offered to save her in exchange for her hand in marriage. He slew the monster, using Medusa’s head to petrify it.
- Marriage and Afterlife: Perseus married Andromeda, and they returned to Greece. Their descendants became rulers of Mycenae and other regions. Upon death, Andromeda was placed in the stars as a constellation.
Representation in Art
Andromeda is a favorite subject in classical and Renaissance art. She is often shown chained to a rock, draped in flowing fabric, or gazing toward the sky. Paintings often capture the moment of her rescue by Perseus. Her image is linked to the Andromeda constellation, which is still visible in the northern sky.
Modern Appearances
Books and Literature
- Retold in Metamorphoses by Ovid, which focuses on her rescue and transformation into a queen.
- Referenced in Mythos by Stephen Fry and other mythological collections.
- Featured in modern retellings of Perseus’s legend.
TV and Streaming
- Appears in adaptations like Clash of the Titans (1981 and 2010), where she plays the classic damsel-in-distress turned queen.
- Referenced in myth-based documentaries about constellations or legendary romances.
Video Games
- Referenced in games like Smite, God of War, and Fate/Grand Order through the Perseus myth line.
- Constellation named Andromeda often used symbolically in fantasy or sci-fi genres (e.g., Mass Effect: Andromeda).
Cultural References
- Andromeda is one of the most recognizable figures in star lore; her story is taught in both mythology and astronomy classes.
- Her name and story symbolize themes of rescue, beauty, and celestial legacy in literature and media.