Perseus and Medusa. 6th grade B.

Perseus was a Greek hero, son of Zeus. He had to kill Medusa, a horrifying monster.

Medusa once had been a very beautiful woman; but she was punished by immortal gods because of her wickedness. She was transformed into a horrible monster; and the only thing she kept from her beauty was the face.

Medusa's blood was venomous; and she could convert to anyone into stone only with a glance. It was a formidable foe; for this reason Perseus ask for advice to Atenea, the ancient god of wisdom. Atenea, impressed by the courage of the hero, gave him three presents: a helmet of invisibility; a pair of flying sandals; and a mirror shield.

Perseus started his travel. He flew to the island where Medusa lived with the sandals. There he could enter into Medusa's cave hidden under the invisibility helmet. And finally he could cut off Medusa's head avoiding to look at her, using for this the mirror shield.

Then, Perseus left the island riding on Pegasus, a winged horse born from Medusa's blood. Peresus had many other adventures: he killed evil kings, he rescued beautiful princesses... But that is another tale, and shall be told another time.

Questions:

1. Who was Perseus?
2. Who was his father?
3. What was his hero's task?
4. Describe Medusa.
5. Who helped Perseus?
6. What did she give to him?
7. Where did Medusa live?
8. How did Perseus kill Medusa?
9. How could Perseus come back from Medusa's island?
10. What was the name of the winged horse?