What Are the Three Things That Hermes Gave Perseus?

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Greek mythology is full of fascinating stories and characters, and one of the most famous is the tale of Perseus. According to legend, Perseus was a hero who went on a quest to slay the Gorgon Medusa, a monster with snakes for hair that could turn people into stone with just one look.

But before he set out on this dangerous mission, Perseus received some valuable gifts from the god Hermes. In this article, we’ll explore what those gifts were and how they helped Perseus in his quest.

The Three Gifts

There were three main gifts that Hermes gave to Perseus:

  • A sword
  • A reflective shield
  • A pair of winged sandals

The Sword

The sword that Hermes gave to Perseus was not just any sword – it was a magical sword made of adamantine, which is an incredibly strong metal. This sword was specifically designed to be able to cut through anything, even the tough skin of the Gorgon Medusa.

Fun fact: The word “adamantine” comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means “unbreakable”.

The Reflective Shield

The reflective shield that Hermes gave to Perseus wasn’t just for protection – it also played a crucial role in helping him defeat Medusa. The shield was made of highly polished bronze and was so reflective that it acted like a mirror.

When faced with Medusa’s deadly gaze, Perseus used the shield as a mirror to avoid looking directly at her. He could see her reflection in the shield and thus avoid being turned to stone.

The Winged Sandals

Last but not least, Hermes gave Perseus a pair of winged sandals. These sandals were made of gold and had wings attached to the ankles, which allowed Perseus to fly.

The sandals gave Perseus a huge advantage in his quest, as he could fly over obstacles and reach places that would have been impossible to reach on foot. This proved especially useful when he needed to sneak up on Medusa without being seen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three gifts that Hermes gave to Perseus – the sword, the reflective shield, and the winged sandals – were all crucial in helping him defeat the Gorgon Medusa. Each gift played a unique role in his success and demonstrated the power of divine intervention in Greek mythology.

So next time you read or hear about the story of Perseus, remember these important gifts and how they helped him become one of Greece’s greatest heroes.

3 Related Question Answers Found

What Did Perseus Get From Hermes?

Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, was a legendary hero in Greek mythology known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa. In this article, we will explore what Perseus received from Hermes, the messenger of the gods. The Quest of Perseus Before we delve into what Perseus received from Hermes, let’s take a brief look at his quest.

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