Perseus

Perseus is a heroic figure from ancient Greek mythology whose name and legacy hold significance within the modern wizarding world. While no character named Perseus appears directly in the primary narrative, the name is most notably used as the middle name for Percy Ignatius Weasley. The name also connects to the wizarding world's frequent use of mythological and astronomical naming conventions, such as those famously employed by the Black Family. The myth of Perseus, a hero who defeated a powerful magical creature using enchanted items, resonates with the themes of courage and magic prevalent in the series.

The history of Perseus in the wizarding world is one of legacy and naming rather than direct action. His story is known through Muggle mythology, which wizards are often familiar with.

• Percy Weasley's Namesake: The most direct connection to the name in the series is Percy Weasley, the third son of Arthur Weasley and Molly Weasley. His full name, Percy Ignatius Weasley, incorporates this classical hero's name. The choice may reflect his parents' aspirations for him or simply an appreciation for the name itself.
• Astronomical Significance: Perseus is a prominent constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere. This links the name to a strong naming tradition within certain old wizarding families, particularly the House of Black, which consistently named its members after stars and constellations (e.g., Sirius Black, Regulus Black, Andromeda Tonks, Bellatrix Lestrange).
• Mythological Background: According to Muggle legend, Perseus was a demigod, the son of Zeus and Danaë. His most celebrated quest was the slaying of the Gorgon, Medusa, a monstrous creature whose direct gaze would turn any living being to stone. To accomplish this, Perseus was aided by the gods with several powerful magical artifacts. His heroic deeds also include rescuing Princess Andromeda from a sea monster.

No physical description of a wizard named Perseus exists within the seven core novels. In classical Muggle art and literature, he is consistently depicted as a strong, brave, and resourceful young hero, embodying the archetypal Greek champion.

Based on his mythological exploits, Perseus would be considered an exceptionally skilled individual in combating dangerous magical creatures.

• Slayer of Magical Beasts: Perseus's greatest documented feat is the beheading of Medusa. This required immense courage, strategic thinking, and the proficient use of magical items to overcome the Gorgon's lethal petrifying stare.
• Proficiency with Magical Artefacts: His success was entirely dependent on his ability to wield multiple, powerful enchanted objects simultaneously, including items that granted flight and Invisibility.

The mythological Perseus was famed for the divine magical items he used on his quest. These objects have parallels to magical items found in the wizarding world.

• Winged Sandals: Footwear that granted the wearer the power of magical flight.
• Helm of Hades: A cap of Invisibility that made the wearer completely unseen, functioning much like a true Invisibility Cloak.
• Reflective Shield: A polished bronze shield, given to him by the goddess Athena, which he used as a mirror to safely look at Medusa's reflection without being turned to stone.
• Harpe: An unbreakable, adamantine sword with a sickle-like curve, used to decapitate Medusa.
• Kibisis: A magical satchel or wallet used to safely store the severed head of Medusa, whose petrifying power remained potent even after her death.

• Percy Weasley: The most notable wizard to carry the name. There is no evidence of a direct relationship between Percy and the mythological figure beyond the shared name.
• Mythological Family: In the Greek myths, Perseus was the son of the god Zeus and the mortal princess Danaë. He later married Andromeda, whom he rescued.

The name Perseus (Greek: Περσεύς) is of ancient Greek origin. Its precise meaning is debated by Muggle etymologists, but a prominent theory links it to the Greek verb perthein (πέρθειν), which means “to destroy” or “to ravage.” This interpretation aligns with his role as a heroic slayer of monsters.

• In the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, there are numerous statues celebrating wizarding history. According to the published screenplay of The Crimes of Grindelwald, a plaque on one of these statues of a heroic-looking wizard is inscribed with the name “Perseus,” suggesting that a notable wizard of that name may have existed in wizarding history. ( The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay)