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The story of Andromeda, daughter of King
Cepheus
and Queen
Cassiopeia, of Ethiopia,
brings together many notable names of legend. Her mother's boastfulness and pride
greatly angered the sea gods and this resulted in Andromeda being sacrificed in order
to appease them. Knowing full well that she would be at the mercy of the sea monster,
Cetus, the King and Queen allowed their young daughter to be chained to a rock on a
cliff overlooking the sea. However fate, in the person of
Perseus,
intervened. Riding home on the winged horse
Pegasus,
he heard Andromeda's screams as Cetus
approached her. Holding high the head of Medusa (see legend of Perseus) he charged
towards the monster who was instantly turned to stone as he looked upon the severed
head. Taking great care to prevent Andromeda from looking at the head, he then
released her from her chains. The young couple immediately fell in love and, as
Perseus had just saved their daughter's life, Cepheus and Cassiopeia readily
consented to their marriage.
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