Summary

In Part Two, “Mother,” “Danaë,” after the Oracle told Danaë’s father Acrisius that Danaë’s son would some day kill him, he imprisoned Danaë. He believed if he could keep Danaë from men, she would not bear a child and he could preserve his life. However, one day, Zeus entered Danaë’s prison and impregnated her. Meanwhile, Acrisius considered releasing Danaë, but his “fear of death” trumped his love for his daughter (70).

Danaë’s midwives helped her deliver her baby Perseus. She was sure Zeus “would not let anything go wrong” (71). However, she and Perseus were soon drowning at sea.

In “Athene,” Athene advised Zeus “to intervene” on Danaë’s behalf if he loved her (73). Because Zeus loved Athene he agreed to save Danaë and Perseus, the “new demi-god” (74).

In “Danaë,” Danaë and Perseus arrived on “the shore of Seriphos” (76). A...