Cassiopeia (mythology) facts for kids

Cassiopeia was a famous woman in Greek mythology. She was the wife of Cepheus, who was the king of a land called Ethiopia. This ancient land is not the same as the country of Ethiopia in Africa today. Cassiopeia and Cepheus had a daughter named Andromeda.

Cassiopeia was known for being very beautiful. However, she was also quite arrogant and vain. This means she thought she was better than others and was too proud of her looks.

Who Was Cassiopeia?

Cassiopeia was a queen in ancient Greek myths. She was married to King Cepheus. They lived in a mythical land called Ethiopia. Their daughter, Andromeda, was also very beautiful.

The Problem with Arrogance

One day, Cassiopeia boasted that her daughter Andromeda was even more beautiful than the Nereids. The Nereids were special sea-nymphs, like goddesses of the sea. They were very beautiful themselves.

When Poseidon, the powerful sea-god, heard Cassiopeia's boast, he became very angry. To punish Cassiopeia and her kingdom, Poseidon sent terrible floods. He also sent a scary sea monster called Cetus to attack Ethiopia.

Seeking Help

To find out how to stop the monster and the floods, Cassiopeia and King Cepheus went to an oracle. An oracle was a person or place that could tell the future or give advice from the gods. The oracle told them that the only way to save their kingdom was to sacrifice their daughter, Andromeda, to the sea monster.

So, Andromeda was chained to a rock by the sea, waiting for Cetus. But a brave hero named Perseus arrived and rescued her. Later, Perseus and Andromeda fell in love and got married.

Punishment and the Stars

Even though Andromeda was saved, Poseidon was still angry with Cassiopeia for her arrogance. As a punishment, he placed her in the sky. Today, there is a famous constellation (a group of stars) named Cassiopeia after her. You can often see it shaped like a "W" or "M" in the night sky.

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