The ancient Greeks believed that their lives, and deaths were controlled by the fates.
But how a person _____1______at his or her destiny was another matter.
Free will and the influence of the gods played major roles in shaping a person’s life.
In ___2_____to understand their own destinies, people sometimes sought the advice
of an oracle—a mystical advisor who supposedly could see into the future.
The myth of Perseus is the story of a hero fulfilling his own fate by______3______
against great odds.
The myth involves many fantastic elements—one-eyed hags, a flying horse, even a
monster with snakes for hair.
But it all begins with an oracle, a king named Acrisius and the one person that the
king feared most—a _____4_____infant named Perseus.
In ancient times, even great kings would seek the advice of an oracle.
But there were times when kings didn’t like what they heard about the future.
Beware, mighty Acrisius, I see in the future that your grandson will be
the______5______ of your death.
This is terrible!
Well, then. I must see to it that I never have a grandson. Never!
But the king didn’t know that his daughter Danae already had a child—a beautiful
infant boy named Perseus, whose father was _______6______other than Zeus
himself.
When the news reached Danae that her father feared the idea of a grandson, she
tried to keep Perseus a secret.
But it was no use. The king ____7______out.
What can I do?
I can’t bring myself to kill them.
The gods will never forgive me.
Then the king had an idea.
I will send them away where the boy can do me_____8______!
Let the gods decide his fate.
The king ordered his daughter and grandson placed into a large wooden chest that
would be sent far out to sea.
Danae and her son Perseus were tossed over the ____9_______for many days
through the harshest storms.
But Danae refused to hose hope that they would somehow be rescued.
Don’t be afraid, little Perseus. You father Zeus will save us.
Everything will be all right.
Hear me, o mighty Zeus!
The great Zeus heard Danae’s pleas for help, and guided the chest to an island.
Where it ______10______up safely on the beach.
A kindly fisherman found them, and gave them shelter and food and a place to live.
Danae stayed on with the fisherman, and raised Perseus into a strong and gifted
youth.
Young Perseus loved his brave mother, and thought they were poor, he made sure
that she ate well and was comfortable and safe—at least for a
little______11_______.
The kingdom they landed in was ruled by the greedy King Polydectes, who despite his
great riches, would often throw festivals where his subjects were expected to shower
him with gifts.
Your highness, I’d like to present you with my____12_____ horse.
Oh. Very good. Very good indeed.
Put him over there.
Perseus was ashamed of being poor, but he was too proud to ____13______that he
had no gift to give.
So, young man. What have you got for me?
My _____14_____are what I give. I’ll go anything you want!
Really? That’s quite a promise.
Anything I want, you say?
What the king wanted most was, to marry the beautiful Danae, but she always
______15______him.
The king was sure that if he could only get rid of Perseus, Danae might change her
mind.
The king saw this as a perfect chance to send Perseus on an impossible
mission…from which he would never return.
Well then, young man—bring me the head of Medusa!
I’ll bring it to you, and I won’t return until my______16_____ is complete.
Farewell.
Why did you promise such a thing?
Your rash and foolish offer will be the end of you.
What do you mean, Mother?
Just who is this Medusa, anyway?
She is a Gorgon, neither human nor divine.
She has snakes for hair, and her blood is____17_____.
Any living being who looks at her is turned to stone.
They say she was once very beautiful, but she offended the great Athena, who turned
her into the hideous creature that you are now destined to meet.
And where does she live?
_____18_______far in the west. That’s all I know.
I must find her.
Medusa was indeed one of the most feared monsters in Greek Mythology.
Perseus was brave, yet he was also reckless to think that he could defeat Medusa on
his____19_______.
He had no weapons, and no idea even how to find her.
He was going to need some help from the gods.
Fortunately, the mighty Athena was all too happy to help him to defeat Medusa.
Athena and the great________20____ god, Hermes, would play a major role
In helping Perseus fulfill his heroic destiny.
No where do I go?
Oh Great Athena! Mighty Hermes!
I am_____21_____ to be in your presence.
Rise, Perseus. You have much to do, and we are here to help you.
First of all, if your mission is to succeed, you must learn to think before you act!
Never look directly at Medusa, or you will be turned to stone!
But if you look at her reflection in this shield, you will be unharmed.
Thank you for the gift, Athena. I will use it well.
But, if I might ask, where do I find this Medusa?
Far, far in the west, on a dark and desolate island live the Gorgons.
There you will find the mortal Medusa, and her two immortal sisters.
But first you must visit the cave of the Graeae, and convince them to tell you where
to go next.
Who are the Graeae?
Strange women who were born old, with grey hair.
They have but one eye between them, which they share.
They protect the Gorgons, and they will only tell you the way to them if they
absolutely have to. So you must be clever.
Should you succeed with them, and finally reach Medusa, use this sword to cut off
her head.
A thousand thanks for your help. I will go at once.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
arrived
trying
struggling
tiny
cause
none
found
no harm
waves
10. washed
11. while
12. finest
13. admit
14. services
15. refused
16. task
17. poison
18. Somewhere
19. Own
20. Messenger
21. honored