Notes for 'The Magus and the Daemon'

Note: A Classical Variant

I'll quote here Robert Graves' version [The Greek Myths, vol. 1, p 240]

"Poseidon sent a flood and a female sea-monster to devastate Philistia; and when Cepheus consulted the Oracle of Ammon, he was told that his only hope of deliverance lay in sacrificing Andromeda to the monster. His subjects therefore obliged him to chain her to a rock, naked except for certain jewels, and leave her to be devoured.

As Perseus flew towards Andromeda, he saw Cepheus ... near by, and alighted for a hurried consultation. On condition that, if he rescued her, [Andromeda] should be his wife ... [Perseus] beheaded the approaching monster ..."

My emphasis throughout. Cepheus is King of the area around Philistia (in North Africa); Andromeda is his only daughter (her name means 'ruler of men'). Note that Cepheus is asked for Andromeda; she doesn't have any say in the matter. Note, also, that Perseus doesn't bother to rescue her until he's sure of the bargain.

There's another variant I really like on the Web here, and I've written another myself here

Note: Daemon

The usage Daemon rather than the nowadays more usual Demon will be familiar to users of the UNIX operating system, where it is by convention the login name of the devil himself.

Note: Magus

The usage Magus (pl. Magi) is here preferred to the more usual Magician or Wizard as it carries implications of a person magical in their own right, rather than merely capable of working magic.

Note: Cameleopard

The usage cameleopard is here preferred to the nowadays more frequent usage giraffe, as it carries a flavour of exoticism and romance.

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