Zeus fell in love with Danaë and she bore him a son, Perseus.When Perseus grew up he had to defend his mother from king Polydectes who wanted Danaë for his wife. Polydectes pretended he was going to be married to another maiden, and asked Perseus to give him the head of the Medusa as a wedding gift. He assumed that attempting to kill the Medussa would be the end of Perseus. Perseus set about the task with the help of Athena and other gods. Athena gave him a shield that was shiny like a mirror. By walking backwards and looking at Medussa's reflection intead of gazing upon her directly, he avoided being turned to stone. When Perseus severed her head, two winged horses flew from her neck, Pegasus, and Chrysaor. Perseus saved Andromeda, who was being offered to Cetus as a sacrifice. He ended up marrying her.