Perseus and the Gray Women

Perseus and the Gray Women

retold by Stephanie Paris

Perseus had something to do. The evil king, Polydectes, had sent him on an impossible errand. He knew his life was at stake. But that was not what worried him. His mother, Danae, was being held captive. Her life was at stake, too! Perseus had to seek out the gorgon, Medusa, and bring her head back for the king. If he failed, Perseus would be dead. And his mother, Danae, would live out her life as a slave. I will not fail, he told himself. But he had no clue where to find Medusa! He had gone deep into the wilderness. He was hoping for a sign. The gods had helped him. They had given him gifts. They had given advice. But now, he was alone. He went northwest. He had heard that there were three magical sisters. They could tell him the way. They lived in the northern mountains.

On the seventh day, something changed. The landscape got harsh. There were no bird songs. The insects did not buzz. But the wind howled. Perseus came to a place that was icy. It was a sad place. He looked out. The rocks were colorless. He could see three forms huddling in the mist. They sat on logs. They were near a cooking fire. A pot bubbled above it. Perseus crept forward. He hoped to stay hidden. He wanted to hear what the women said. He was closer now. He could tell that they were women. But they were very strange women.

These ladies were different. They were dressed in tattered shawls. Their ragged clothing was the same colorless gray as the rocks. All three had long, gray hair. They shared only one eye and one tooth. These they would pass greedily back and forth. Sisters! cried one, hand me the eye! I think I smell a Child of Men!

At this, Perseus stepped from his hiding place. He came forward. He said, Fear not, ladies! My name is Perseus. I am a man. But I mean no harm. Oh, Mothers, wisdom is the daughter of old age. So you should know many things. Tell me. Do you know the path to the gorgons?

Who is calling us old? cried one of the crones. Then the three women began to argue. Sister, give me the eye! I want to see this rude young man! No, it is my turn still! And you have the tooth! Well, take the tooth then! I dont want to bite him! And so on they bickered. Finally, Perseus broke into their quarreling.

I do not reproach you! I honor your age! Please, tell me where to find Medusa and her sisters! With this came another round of arguing among the Gray Women. Each wanted the eye. They began to pass it around in a circle. They grasped and fretted. Perseus had had enough. He stepped into the circle. He held out his hand. One of the women passed the precious thing to Perseus. The young hero took a large step back. He waited.

Where is the eye? Give it to me! It is my turn next! I want to see this strange man! the ladies raged. I beg your pardon, good women. I do not wish to inconvenience you further. You need not blame one another! I do believe that I am holding your eye. Yes! Here it is in my right hand, the hero spoke with some satisfaction. The women were understandably dismayed.

Give it back! Give it back! they cried. But Perseus got a twinkle in his own two eyes. He said, I do not know. I do not like to see you so angry. Maybe your lives would be better if I threw this object of contention into the sea. He could not resist pausing here to watch. The three Gray Women gasped and held their breath in fear. Of course, if you tell me where the gorgons live, I would have to return the eye inexchange.

And so the women told him where he must go. We do not know where the gorgons dwell, but we do know who might, one said. You must go to the south. Seek out Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his back. With him live his three daughters. They are nymphs. They will have items and stories to give you. Now, we have told you all we know. Return what is ours!

Perseus was as good as his word. He returned their eye to the sisters. He doubted, though, that it would bring them much peace. Then he began the next great leg of his adventures. He thought of the three Gray Women and their bickering ways. They were forever locked together. But they lacked the will to get along. Perseus thought about how much better it would be if the three could learn a little patience and kindness.