Danaë

In Greek mythology, Danaë was an Argive princess who became the mother of the hero Perseus through Zeus. She is also credited with founding the city of Ardea in Latium during the Bronze Age.

King Acrisius, disappointed by his lack of male heirs, consulted the oracle of Delphi about his future. The oracle prophesied that while he would never have a son, his daughter would bear a son who would eventually kill him. To prevent this prophecy, Acrisius imprisoned Danaë in a bronze chamber beneath his palace (some versions describe it as a tall brass tower with a single chamber, no doors or windows, and only a small air vent).

Despite these precautions, Zeus desired Danaë and visited her in the form of golden rain that streamed through the roof of her chamber and into her womb. From this divine union, Perseus was born.

Fearing divine punishment if he directly killed his daughter and grandson, Acrisius cast both Danaë and Perseus into the sea in a wooden chest. With Poseidon calming the waters at Zeus's request, they survived and washed ashore on the island of Seriphos. There, they were rescued by the fisherman Dictys, brother of King Polydectes, who raised Perseus in Athena's temple.

King Polydectes became enamored with Danaë, but she rejected his advances. He agreed not to force her into marriage if Perseus would bring him the head of Medusa. With divine assistance—Athena's shield, Hermes's winged sandals, and Hades's invisibility helmet—Perseus successfully beheaded the Gorgon.

After rescuing and marrying Andromeda, princess of Aethiopia, Perseus headed toward Argos. However, learning of the prophecy, he diverted to Larissa where athletic games were being held. By tragic coincidence, an elderly Acrisius was present, and Perseus accidentally killed him with a javelin (or discus), fulfilling the prophecy.