The Epic Story of Perseus Explained | Best Greek Mythology Documentary

The story of Perseus is one of the most famous in Greek Mythology, with his adventures across Ancient Greece making him one of the original Heroes, a time long before the Trojan War and the birth of Hercules. The son of Zeus and Danaë, Perseus would defeat the Gorgon Medusa, with her head able to turn any man to stone, a weapon that aided him on his travels. On his way back home from Medusa’s cave, Perseus would rescue the beautiful Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus with the two soon becoming husband and wife. As the years went on and the pair looked to start their own family, they would head out of Argos and found their own kingdom called Mycenae, which would become the most powerful city in Greece.
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Ruling over the city, Perseus and Andromeda would have many children together, with their family's reign lasting for generations to come. But unknown to them, one of their descendants would become the most famous Hero of them all. For the son of Zeus and Alcmene, would be the great hero Hercules, whose famous 12 labours would echo throughout every corner of the world.
Timestamps 📽
Intro: 0:00
The Prophecy 0:12
A New Land 2:20
Medusa 3:50
The Graeae 6:00
The Gorgon's Head 7:46
Andromeda 8:49
The Prophecy Fulfilled 10:41
A New Life 13:32
📚 Sources:
Classical Mythology, by Mark Morford, Robert Lenardon and Michael Sham
Greek Mythology, by Katerina Servi
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton
Apollodorus - The Library of Greek Mythology, translated by Robin Hard
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Music Sourced From:
artlist.io/
The Life Guide is a channel dedicated to providing interesting and educational content about a range of political, philosophical, economic and historical topics. Whether you are interested in a simplified explanation of complicated modern ideas or detailed information on ancient civilizations and philosophical schools of thought, The Life Guide is the channel for you.

[@TheLifeGuide]

Thanks for watching! *If you enjoyed the video, help support the channel by leaving a SUPER THANKS!* Remember to *Like & Subscribe* and click the *Bell Icon* to never miss an upload. *Timestamps* can be found below: *Timestamps* 📽 Intro: 0:00 The Prophecy 0:12 A New Land 2:20 Medusa 3:50 The Graeae 6:00 The Gorgon's Head 7:46 Andromeda 8:49 The Prophecy Fulfilled 10:41 A New Life 13:32

[@LOLTROLL0245]

thank you guys for making such awesome documentaries and letting everyone see it for free. Such good information and stories for people to learn

[@abiman51]

your storytelling is terrific. thank you for these. have you thought about timestamping the artwork aswell? i would love to research more about each piece that you put on display during the story.

[@misstara9838]

I know, the Gods dealt out their anger to the innocent

[@user-sr2xf9ic1v]

I cannot tell you how much I love your videos - I loved the stories as a kid, but now being able to understand the classical paintings as well! So wonderful!!!

[@alvxnw]

Wow the story of medusa is really sad, never knew how tragic it was.

[@mrscanlan.5016]

Totally, she was innocent and a victim , then she got cursed by the gods, very sad yes

[@issith7340]

Meaning that us, mortals, never can totally be in control of our future.

[@saintsfanjosh98]

It is a Greek tragedy

[@yeturs69420]

That's the mercy you get when it comes from Athena

[@mrscanlan.5016]

@@yeturs69420 not mercy, its evil, go and punish Poseidon who committed the vile act i say

[@101yayo]

As always, Zeus fucking everything that moves.

[@robertdeffenbaugh9004]

That and giving Pandora the box is why Chaos threw Zeus into Tartarus.

[@dagnirglaurunga1620]

He's the original playa

[@RickyRisnandar]

sneaky also

[@zoehazelton6624]

Greek Mythology would be so short if Zeus could just keep it in his pants

[@bogtrottername7001]

It has been said of Zeus that he would f*ck a pile of rocks if he thought there was a snake in there.

[@complexplays3098]

The story of medusa has a different interpretation where Athena gave her shield to Perseus to kill Medusa to free her from her suffering and also she placed the Gorgon's head on her shield to honor the human Medusa's fidelity to her.

[@jacktheano633]

I like to think Athena cursed/blessed her so she can no longer suffered from her own beauty

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

"to free her from her suffering", which was created by Athena. That doesn't make alot of sense.

[@MatinhoConter]

Interesting to think about it like this, makes you think that the "course" was actually a blessing so she can no longer be harrassed by men. So they would turn into stone instead.

[@kiwedinikwe1087]

@@alexanderSydneyOz Not necessarily. Poseidon caused her suffering by assaulting her, Athena provided her with a means to protect herself from the unwanted advances of men. The means may have been drastic and not ideal, but Poseidon is still the source of Medusa's suffering.

[@seanthomas1552]

@@MatinhoConter Couldn't she have done that without the snake heads and snake body?

[@delciagarcia8287]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Love the art used to illustrate the story. I’m embarrassed to admit that I did not know Medusa’s story. It made me sad. I’m a senior citizen and firmly believe that is never too late to learn. Thank you for educating me on the subject. Looking forward to your next video. Thank you. 🙏

[@jamesdreads7828]

the backing music that you use for the 'greek myth' videos is beautiful. Also the videos themselves are awesome, thanks a lot.

[@roarkehadfield6976]

Deep Blue Sea by Yehezkel Raz

[@jamesdreads7828]

@@roarkehadfield6976 legend, thanks man

[@Neighborsdismay]

Indubitably but the outro music got me the first time I heard it and year later and incredulously searching and asking, no word on where I can find this music. From anyone.

[@joeholden6440]

Thanks so much for the name of singer and song. I’ve been looking for it for ages now. Love the videos

[@HurricaneWeasel]

@@Neighborsdismay Rex Banner - Awake and Dreaming | The music is so well used in this video. I come back to it time and time again.

[@justinbergmans36]

You feel a tremendous sadness for Medusa and her sisters. Banished from their home, at no fault of their own. Than to be hunted, when they just wanted to be left alone. The Greek gods, more often than not, were portrayed as cold, selfish deities, that didn’t care about humanity

[@johnburks6424]

I love Greek mythology so these types of videos are so enjoyable! You should do more Greek mythology stories:)

[@geraldkisanya6486]

Bro.. This was absolute class. Long awaited but always well worth it. You have my sincere thanks ✊

[@N0va]

Got the statue of Perseus beheading Medusa tatted on me. A reminder to beat temptation.

[@perseus8890]

Nice!!!

[@shah-jahanbaig944]

She was raped fool

[@FatalShotGG]

@@shah-jahanbaig944 so was every female God by Zeus lmao

[@wsmith49]

Probably a previous commenter has mentioned this, but just in case not: Even more of this myth is represented in the sky: Cepheus (the rather do-nothing King of Ethiopia and husband of Cassiopeia), Cetus (literally "the whale," but taken for the sea monster) and even the Head of Medusa (held in Perseus' hand and represented by the variable star Algol) are also participants in the myth who were honored with constellations or stars. Oddly, in the entire sky, there is no other myth that has so many constellations devoted to it. Great video, and thanks for bringing up the constellations that you did! I'm a devoted stargazer and I love it when folks go to the trouble to pass on information about the heavens.

[@melo7591]

Can you really see a Pegasus in the sky? I don’t know much about stars but always wondered

[@wsmith49]

@@melo7591 Yes, Pegasus is one of the "official" 88 constellations established by the IAU back in the mid-1930s. This time of year, you can see Pegasus fully risen a little south of due east about one hour after sunset.

[@melo7591]

@@wsmith49 did a little studying yesterday about stars and found out Pegasus is a seasonal constellation… I will be looking out tonight for him lol thanks Brother I love to learn new things

[@jeremytivamirire5056]

let's go, been waiting for this one. Thank you for the quality content

[@donnacalloway7158]

What a lovely video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, talent and hard work!

[@Posteriser]

It really helps when you show family charts, that's something I wished we had for the previous videos as well :)

[@yuichirohyakuya1866]

this channel is gold

[@Dawn_Aramoana63]

Great way to learn Greek mythology. Tragic and enthralling at the same time. Love the background music and the narrator sounds like a real human 😊

[@jackab32]

I'm always excited with your uploads. You're the best!!!! Totally loved 12 labors of Hercales

[@paulycoleman98]

Medusa is a goddess in her own right. Her tale is tragic yet she made the best out of a bad situation

[@kostasbiker9302]

No she isn't,stop fetishizing a Roman poets version of the story. She was never r a p e d in the Greek version and she was already a gorgon.

[@Onlyloss69]

I like that you focused on ancient history lately it is much more interesting than 20th century. Please continue doing ancient and maybe medieval or early modern history it is much better than 20th century

[@HurricaneWeasel]

Fantastic video! I got goosebumps at the end.

[@S.T.Rugglin]

The way he ends every sentence… Hard to handle.

[@meesalikeu]

awesome -- i had forgotten my greek mythology -- thanks for the great cliff notes version.

[@mrels6903]

Loved your episode on herakles, i had to watch this one

[@solaris413]

good to see u consistent now in uploading

[@zoos_lol4106]

love your videos please don't stop making more!

[@HVLLOWS1999]

Theseus, Bellerophon, Jason, and Orion, my favorite greek myths.

[@FernandaHaiabe]

it's my fav story! this video was a masterpiece!

[@mikuraima]

Fantastic video!! Hoping for more mythology content as well as maybe some medieval stuff??

[@tynestreet4011]

Excellent, learning made easy 🙏

[@MusicLover-my6fo]

The music in this video is beautiful.

[@daisukix2070]

Medusa's story has the most versions I've read in all Greek mythology

[@user-vh8pn1uf9g]

Medusa is symbolism for the temple guardians in Ancient Greece. They were Scythian women who were known to be the best archers. They could hit you while riding backwards on the back of a horse and even cut of one of their breasts so they could shoot better. They kept snake venom in their hair (symbolism for Medusa’s snake hair) that they would rub on their arrows. Best believe these arrows would “turn you to stone” symbolizing what happens when you get hit with these arrows covered in snake venom.

[@stanielsoncoochiesmellehsm6114]

Underrated channel

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

Love this channel ❤

[@tylergulbas8071]

Master story telling, wow. Thank you.

[@DANIEL666YUSUPOV_KAZANOVA]

Great video thanks for posting

[@thijshoffer2521]

I really like your video’s man can you make one about achilles aswell? Thanks

[@lukeskywalker7107]

You spoke through the art 💙

[@fostxswire1600]

This is the first I have heard of Medusa's origin like this. I had always heard the curse was a punishment for vanity.

[@isaacmcquown]

Technically speaking Ovid made it up in the 1st century AD to go with antiauthortrian sentiment. It was basically a first century fanfic that became cannon.

[@gitikaminocha4521]

I am new here I love this channel already!!

[@daqin1680]

your video are always my favourite thank you

[@RedneckAlien42069]

Best channel on yt

[@abotozhimomi1901]

Thank you for your video.

[@ThurstonWhore1]

I adore your videos, i only wish each one were 2/3 hours long!

[@The_Crimson_Wolf_]

Thank goodness this explanation touches on Medusa's origins

[@jc3drums916]

According to another user and Wikipedia, this version was a Roman invention. The original Greek version is that she and her sisters were always monsters.

[@thelucianiancu]

Damn, this is so different from the movies so much more details that I had to search for the film n watch some of it to make sure its the same Perseus :)). Good work, dude

[@dirkmolen9392]

Awesome video! Cculd you perhaps also cover Theseus and the Minotaur? That would be greatly appreciated.

[@Anonymous07192]

YESSSSSSSSSS. My body is ready.

[@davidsending]

There's a version in which Perseus riding Pegasus over the mountains met Atlas the titan who was punished to hold the sky. Perseus felt sorry for him and petrified him with Medusa's head

[@shane1094]

That didn't happen

[@shane1094]

@rzf_1.8 no I'm SAYING he's telling the myth story wrong!

[@griggboat3588]

@@shane1094 he said “ a version” implying that it is a different retelling of the original version

[@charlesfenwick6554]

Please inform where you got this myth. Obscure. Perseus riding Pegasus. The connection with Perseus is that Pegasus sprang from the severed head of Medusa as depicted on the temple at Corcyra(Corfu). Perhaps a later elaboration envolving Perseus?

[@fostxswire1600]

They myths were taught verbatim. There is no other version.

[@jimsteele3423]

I love Greek Mythology

[@robertevans9897]

Love the classics

[@jadenephrite]

The story of Pesrseus was made into the 1981 film "Clash of the Titans" and then remade as the 2010 film version of "Clash of the Titans". However, in both films the Greek sea monster Cetus @ 9:32 was substituted with the Norwegian sea monster the Kraken.

[@jonnymak1079]

The kraken represents a tyrant ruler Also

[@richardrodriguez-lj1uf]

Where did you find all the artwork that you showed on this video and the artist that made them. They’re amazing

[@Andromeda2976]

Amazing

[@Stefo717]

I didn't know Perseus was the grandfather of heracles! Wow! Glad i subbed!

[@renostubbs8504]

That was a cool story, I like Greek history even though they are a myth

[@user-un4ov8zk3j]

can you please do epic of Gilgamesh next

[@georgewhitehead8185]

Amazing! I really liked this story, and the telling of it. Thank you. Doctor George Whitehead

[@matthewbryant958]

Perseus was a badass! Would of loved to live around the time of that era. Yeah of course it’s mythological but still

[@ericjacome7818]

It’s real

[@KBboy-ju8kr]

@@ericjacome7818 it’s not real it’s folk lore

[@d0lph1n63]

More over he was completely devoted to his wife and had no extramarital affairs an incredibly rare thing in Greek Mythology especially among heroes.

[@eleniasimop]

@@KBboy-ju8kr Well, it's legendary. No one knows any more which parts were true, but the Ruins of Mycenae and its great walls are still there to visit and it's common knowledge that Perseus was the founder of it. The gate still stands and it's mind blowing to think that many years later Hercules was passing under it after every adventure and even later king Agamemnon with his troops passed it to go fight the Trojan War.

[@BigRon1995]

My ex had a Medusa tattoo... Makes PERFECT sense now

[@joshuabuilds3051]

What a story

[@seanentzel9616]

I love the music on these. Where can I find them?

[@brandonwalker5011]

Tiny detail but when you throw a discus you do complete almost one rotation however its still strange to describe it as "spinning".

[@eprohoda]

thanks! ouutstanding view, see u around,

[@1tarawho]

I have always been so fascinated about Greek and Roman mythology!! I do feel that these stories are real and Ancient Aliens explorations are helping prove this..Great job narrating!! I could listen to you telling about Ancient History all day!!

[@DatGinnga]

I was like damn now I’ve got to wait for the twelve labors but I see you’re one step ahead of me 😂

[@charliegerrie]

0:12 There's something strange about hearing "O come o come emmanuel" as the background music for ancient greek stories

[@YankeeBlues21]

A couple minutes in I was like “…is that O come, O come Emmanuel playing in the background?” Lol

[@ConanDuke]

When the Delphic Oracle give you a prophecy, don't self-fulfill it by acting like a total jerk.

[@merchant69420]

yeah that's epic indeed.

[@rhysproffitt5794]

you should do a video for Bellerophon if you have not already

[@godiegogo_2]

What’s the name of the background music in the beginning of The gorgons head ?

[@younggrasshopper3531]

Fun fact, if I’m not wrong, the plural for cyclops is pronounced “sy-clo-peez” Great vid! Thank you I very much enjoyed!

[@meesalikeu]

sy-clop-eez

[@Zee-yj8og]

@@meesalikeu sye-CLOH-peez

[@redsavage5997]

well in greek its κύκλοπες with a k, which in english should sound like kee-klo-pes. So as in singlular form that sy sound at the beggining is completely an english or latin interpretation of the word.

[@markflorencealzate611]

8:42 Perseus never rode pegasus, Bellerophon did ✌

[@Haseeebo]

What is the name of the music starting at 7:46 "The Gorgons Head"? Sounds like piano with choir/opera singing. It's used in most of your Greek Mythology videos. Someone please tell meeee

[@lawrencedanao7648]

Ancient Greek civilisation and mythology is so bad ass.

[@rusheilfrancis264]

Such. Great. Content.

[@papiaudile]

Your video quality is insane, I am trying to get myself to be able to make KZbin videos but I suck. I occasionally make videos and then bin them.

[@Anonymous07192]

Don't forget how long it took him to make it! Make your vids in layers. Layer 1 = draft 1, layer 2 = draft 2, etc. Etc. Build your video little by little until draft 30 and it will look awesome. 👍

[@JStryker47]

About those constellations in the end... you left out Cephus and Cetus.

[@chuckie_srd1256]

What’s the song called at the beginning of these videos

[@yuichirohyakuya1866]

what is the.ending music? on the constellations

[@jc3drums916]

Never heard of Perseus riding Pegasus except in Clash of the Titans. Pegasus and his twin brother Chrysaor (who was not a winged horse) sprang from Medusa's neck stump, but AFAIK Perseus did all of his flying via Hermes's winged sandals.

[@maverick1809]

I know it's mythology and a lot of poetic license has been taken but most of the stories never mention Perseas riding Pegasus. The winged horse is more closely associated with my personal fav hero bellerophon. Other than that a great a video and awesome channel!

[@henrybp797]

Nice I’m early

[@joeyo8991]

Zeus spinning back for his great granddaughters is crazy 😂

[@iamditditto2006]

Please do Maui next🙏🏿🦋

[@TheColombiano89]

Fun fact the Greeks consider Persus to be the ancestor of the Persians. The Persians would use this during their invasion of Greece showing a common ancestor. Later Alexander would use this during his invasion of Persia.

[@Vanchino1908]

Video of Heracles need it !!

[@TheLifeGuide]

It’s out

[@jalenikezeue4114]

Oh Wow I totally 😍 Perseus He's my second favourite demigod

[@mohammadaun6698]

Is Achilles the first one?

[@jalenikezeue4114]

@@mohammadaun6698 Actually No The first one Is Hercules

[@awesomeatronik]

@@jalenikezeue4114 same!

[@kellykwon2232]

I don't know if it's documented anywhere, but through art history, Perseus beheaded the good one first,. highest, but walked around with the lowest or lower 's head, turning people into stone. The first one in the cave wasn't Medusa, it was highest one.

[@MaziarPersian]

Perseus the ancestor of the Persiens.

[@deepankarnakarmi8215]

make for cadmus tooo

[@michaeltrinta7207]

Does anyone else find it odd that the king's brother was just a fisherman? And how were the three wise old women sisters of Medusa? Weren't her sisters Euryale and Stheno who turned into the gorgons? Or are these another set of siblings? lol

[@gitikaminocha4521]

Ya

[@jessicasousa5709]

First question: maybe he banished his brother from the palace Second question: yes, they're different sets of sisters

[@awesomeatronik]

The gorgons were one set of sisters and the three Wise women were another set of sisters, it's speculated that local traditions had persuas either having to retrieve the head of Medusa or retrieve the eye of the Wise women it depended on the region that the story was being told, later Greek writers would mix the two versions together getting the version we have now. In the original Greek Medusa and her sisters were always monsters born and raised. And the gorgons had many other siblings that were killed by other Heroes. As to the brother being a fisherman, it was a good job back then, and he wasn't a poor guy he was the captain of a crew and everything. I'd rather be a fisherman than a slave or a soldier back then.

[@michaeltrinta7207]

Thanks guys

[@boredhi3454]

Whats the background music name?

[@paradoxflames5482]

Fun fact: medusa original story she was born like with snakes for hair and a gaze that would turn any mortal into stone

[@justinholt1136]

I don't think there's any classical text where Perseus rides pegasus, a lot of people think he did because he is depicted riding him in 19th century art a lot . From what I can find, the only hero to ride pegasus was Bellerophon. Cool video though.

[@charlesfenwick6554]

Right.No myths of Perseus riding Pegasus. Narrarator confused with the myth of Bellerophon.

[@Neighborsdismay]

14:38 - 15:08 what song is this?

[@lachocchy200]

wow

[@ThePointlessBox_]

Perseus has to be my favorite hero of ancient Greece Going head to head with a monster he couldnt even look at. Fighting with nothing but bravery to guide him. Absolute chad

[@unseennobody]

300th comment, this IS SPARTAA!!!