Clash Of The Titans
Cory Herbst
Throughout "The Clash Of The Titans," it becomes clear that the Gods have a very deep connection to the society that they rule over, interacting with them in various ways. Zeus plays a major part in this since he is constantly doing things to push for his son's success, such as providing Perseus with the sword, shield and the helmet. He furthers his actions by informing other gods to help Perseus in various ways, such as the Goddess told to give Perseus Bubo the owl to lead him on his journey. This gives insight into the character of the Gods, depicting them as Gods that are very similar to their subjects by constant means of interactions seen through various emotions such as revenge (E.g. Thetis dooming Andromeda to hurt Perseus). That gives rise to how the Gods themselves interact with each other. They seem to have a certain respect for each other in the sense that they know of the consequences of not doing so. However, they are willing to go behind another God's back in order to further their own plans (E.g. Thetis constantly going behind Zeus to help Calibos and herself with plans of revenge). This pantheon is different from others in ways such as that in other pantheons, such as in Egypt, the gods/goddesses did not have so much interaction with their subjects before their death. Whereas the Greek gods were able to express jealousy, revenge, etc. with the general public before they were overcome by death.

Due to various acts of heroism and courage, Perseus can be seen as archetypical Greek hero. This becomes clear during such acts as when Perseus attacks Medusa in order to save Andromeda from a horrible fate; pursuing a goal regardless of the consequences or danger involved. In addition to that, Perseus had a fate in which he was to pursue (Obtaining the head of Medusa in order to defeat the Kraken. A task that was unbelievably risky.). All of which was furthered by the Gods (most of which) who were on his side during his adventure providing him with the tools to succeed, such as Bubo the owl, who helps lead Perseus to the fates and to other various places. Furthering his fate which he was pursuing, Perseus, in the end, accomplished his goal of defeating the Kraken and saving his love interest, Andromeda. All of which provide evidence for convincing one that Perseus fit the mold of an archetypical Greek hero.


“The Clash Of The Titans” provides many examples proving the evidence of sexism in Greek Mythology such as Thetis being perceived as a revenge seeking goddess looking to only cause destruction to feed her anger. However, the story itself begins with sexism when Akrisos puts Danae and Perseus into a crate and send them out to sea as to save himself from the wrath of the gods, unsuccessfully. This portrays Danae as property, as something that can be used in bargaining or trade giving the Women no value as equals. The sexism continues, as seen when Andromeda is able to be called to Calibos on command via the vulture, because she 'belongs' to him and should obey him. This perceives women as very material items, in the sense that they can be owned and are not allowed a say in such matters. That point is furthered by Andromeda falling in love with the man who freed her from Calibos, continuing her ownership onto another man. Furthermore, Thetis is needing to seek revenge against Perseus, however, she does so by using Andromeda as the 'object' that is to be lost. This essentially turns Andromeda into a type of human shield that is to take the pain instead of Perseus, in addition to perceiving Andromeda as a helpless being that needs a man in order to save her. In addition, Medusa, who was once a beautiful woman, was considered to a type of harlot whom was turned into the creature she is for such reasons. Giving rise to the idea that Medusa deserved to have such things whereas Zeus, who commits similar acts does not, because he is a man. Which gives rise to Zeus' general treatment of the female goddesses as inferior beings that need to follow his every command, and obey his wishes.

The story of “Perseus and Medusa” mostly focuses on the general conflict of Akrisos whom wanted to prevent the destiny of Perseus, whom was destined to kill Akrisos and take his place as king of Argos. However, Perseus is seen in the story mostly searching for Medusa as so he may use the power of her head to defeat the tyrant, Polydektes, whom loved Perseus' mother. However, Perseus comes across Andromeda tied up and pursues to save her instead and Perseus falls in love with her, after which her parents offer her to Perseus to marry. Danae, Perseus and Andromeda made their way to Argos, where Perseus eventually defeats Akrisos. However, Perseus finds a moral dilemma with becoming king of Argos so he trades kingdoms with his cousin Megapenthes and then rules over Tiryns. The film, on the other hand, pursued a message of Perseus conquering evil in order to save his love, Andromeda. This made Perseus into a more traditional hero who is more relatable and likeable, therefore making the story more interesting. Further imputed by the search for love and power. The movie avoided the jealous/revenge side of Perseus as so it could leave him as an honorable hero with nothing wrong with him.