Loves and Lusts: Danae and the Golden Rain

Danae was the daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos, who sought the advice of the Delphic oracle that he might have a son. The oracle replied that he would not give life to a son, but that his grandson would be the cause of his death. In an effort to avoid his fate, Acrisius imprisoned Danae in an underground chamber made of bronze. Zeus, however, desiring Danae, transformed himself into a shower of gold and poured through the opening in the roof into Danae's lap. In her bronze chamber Danae bore her son, Perseus, whose cries alerted Acrisius to his presence. Not believing Danae had been seduced by a god, Acrisius shut his daughter and grandson in a wooden chest and set them adrift on the sea. Washed by waves and battered by winds, they were finally rescued by Dictys and his brother, Polydectes, king of the Cycladic island of Seriphus. In time, Perseus grew to manhood, accomplished several heroic tasks, and eventually returned to Argos. Contending in some athletic games, he accidentally struck and killed Acrisius with a discus, thereby fulfilling the prophecy.