Who Was Perseus In Greek Mythology? The Legends Of Percy Jackson's Namesake Explained

The Origins of Perseus

Perseus is a hero in Greek mythology, and like Percy Jackson, he's also a demigod. Perseus is the son of Zeus and a mortal princess named Danae. Danae was locked in a bronze tower by her father, Acrisius, after a prophecy claimed her son would be the one to kill him. This eventually came true, and one could argue Acrisius inadvertently brought about his own fate. Hearing of the bronze tower and Danae's beauty, Zeus decided to pay the princess a visit. He took the form of a cloud and rained gold upon her, leading to Perseus' conception and birth.

Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson looking up at a statue of Perseus in Percy Jackson & the Olympians

One might wonder why Sally Jackson would name her child after a son of Zeus when Poseidon is Percy's father. Given the Pact of the Big Three in Percy Jackson — and Zeus' threat of war — it's clear the two Greek gods don't particularly care for one another. However, Perseus' upbringing with his mother is what inspired Sally to name her son after him.

Young Percy Jackson standing next to Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson in the Percy Jackson Disney+ TV show

Perseus and His Adventures

Perseus' legendary feats include beheading Medusa and saving Andromeda from a sea monster. He is best known for these accomplishments, both of which demonstrate his bravery and heroism. After these triumphs, Perseus became King of Mycenae and fulfilled his destiny in Argos, living a life of heroic accomplishments and leaving a lasting legacy in Greek mythology.

Uma Thurman as Medusa looking scary in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning thief

Rick Riordan's hero, Percy Jackson, shares many similarities with his legendary namesake. Both are demigods who achieve great feats despite the odds, and their early stories parallel each other in intriguing ways. Additionally, Percy's encounters with Medusa and his mission to retrieve Zeus' Thunderbolt mirror Perseus' adventures.

Azriel Dalman as young Percy Jackson and Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson standing in front of the Perseus statue in Percy Jackson & the Olympians

The Parallels Between Perseus and Percy Jackson

The parallels between Perseus and Percy Jackson are evident in their journeys. Both face seemingly impossible missions and overcome them with courage and determination. Their relationships with their mythical fathers, Zeus and Poseidon, also play a significant role in shaping their destinies. As Percy Jackson continues to unfold, viewers can expect to see further connections between the two legendary figures.

Walker Scobell as Percy with his backpack in Camp Half-Blood in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians is streaming on Disney+, offering fans the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Greek mythology and the captivating adventures of Percy Jackson.

Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, with wet hair, is looking up in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.