Akrisios facts for kids
Akrisios (also spelled Acrisius) was a king in ancient Greek mythology. He ruled the city of Argos. He was the father of a princess named Danaë and the grandfather of a famous hero, Perseus.
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King Akrisios and the Prophecy
A Worried King
Akrisios received a scary message from an oracle. An oracle was like a fortune-teller who spoke for the gods. The oracle told him that his own grandchild would one day kill him. This news made Akrisios very afraid. He wanted to stop this prophecy from coming true.
Danaë's Secret Child
To prevent his daughter, Danaë, from having a child, Akrisios locked her away. He put her in a tall tower or a special bronze chamber. No one was allowed to visit her.
However, the mighty god Zeus found a way to reach Danaë. Zeus appeared to her as a shower of golden rain. From this magical meeting, Danaë had a baby boy named Perseus.
Cast Out to Sea
When Akrisios discovered that Danaë had a child, he was very upset. He still feared the prophecy. Instead of harming them directly, he put Danaë and baby Perseus into a large wooden box. He then threw the box into the sea.
But the gods were watching. Zeus asked the sea-god Poseidon to protect them. The waves carried the box safely to the island of Seriphos. On Seriphos, a kind fisherman named Dictys found them. Dictys took them in and let them live with him.
The Prophecy Comes True
Perseus Grows Up
Many years passed, and Perseus grew into a strong young man. He became a brave hero and went on many adventures.
An Accidental Death
Later, Perseus took part in some special athletic games. These games were held to honor someone who had passed away. During the games, Perseus was throwing a discus. A discus is a heavy, flat disc that athletes throw for distance.
By accident, the discus Perseus threw went off course. It hit Akrisios, who was watching the games. The blow was fatal, and Akrisios died.
Just as the oracle had predicted many years before, Akrisios was killed by his own grandchild, Perseus. This story shows how difficult it can be to escape what fate has planned.
