POLYDECTES (mythological king on Seriphos)
Figure of myth · mythological king on Seriphos
- Parents
- Magnes son of Aeolus, Peristhenes, Poseidon, Cerebia
- Siblings
- Dictys
- In the sources
- 13 ancient passages
Polydectes, who resided in a palace on the island of Seriphos, was the son of Magnes and the brother of Dictys.1,2,3 Some accounts, however, name Eunomus as his father.4,5 He was also the elder brother of Lycurgus and the father of Charilaus, who later held the throne in their own country.6 Polydectes helped colonize the island of Seriphus.3
He developed romantic feelings for Danae and attempted to force her into marriage with the help of his subjects.1,7 When Perseus arrived to deliver the severed head of Medusa, Polydectes gathered his friends in his palace under the false pretense of collecting a wedding gift.1,2,8 He demanded that Perseus bring him the head of the Gorgon.1 Despite the hero's hardships, Polydectes maintained an unyielding hatred toward him and used violence against Perseus's mother and Dictys, forcing them to seek refuge at altars.2,9
Polydectes falsely claimed that the slaying of Medusa was merely a fabrication, refusing to accept the truth of the hero's deed.9 As the target of Perseus's vengeance for wronging his mother, the king met his end when Perseus showed him the head of Medusa.2,9,7 He was turned to stone.2,9
The codex facts behind this entry
Polydectes was the son of Magnes and the brother of Dictys. Apollodorus 1.9.6 +1
Fate
Polydectes was turned to stone when Perseus showed him the head of Medusa. Apollodorus 2.4.3 +1
