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hike viewSerifos Page 4

History Continued

When the mother and son first arrived on the island they were taken in by the kindly fisherman who took them to the King Polydectes who also wanted to marry Danae but was rebuffed. As Perseus grew to manhood he defended his mothers decision not to marry, so the King came up with the idea of sending him off to accomplish some tasks. The first one was to bring him the head of Medusa, the only mortal sister of the three Gorgon Sisters, with hair made of living snakes, bulging eyes and fang-like teeth.

Perseus, having God as his father and being no slouch, had the help of the Goddess Athena, who fitted him out with a mirrored shield, winged shoes and a cloak of invisibility. With the head in a bag, and after a side trip to save and dally with Andromeda, Perseus returned to Serifos, and showed Medusa's head to the king and his court who immediately turn to stone. The kindly fisherman became King and Perseus and Danae returned home to Argos port viewcausing Arkisius to skeedaddle out of town. The prophecy was fulfilled when Perseus accidentally put a javelin through the foot of his grandfather, who expired on the spot.

Serifos' history after all this is pretty bland and has the usual Ionian, Athenian, Delian, Persian, Phoenician, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian (The Micheli Family), Turkish, Russian (1770-1774), Nazi and Italian cast of characters common to the rest of the Cyclades.

More recently many islanders have immigrated abroad and to Athens.

Hints from Harry

This island is eye-catching and quiet.  More pictures of Seriphos I & II

The Complete Details

Helpful Information
Transportation Facts
  • By Ferry: Daily from Piraeus, Kythnos, Milos and Sifnos
  • 4 times a week with Kimolos
  • Thrice weekly with Santorini, Folegandros, Sikinos and Ios.
  • Twice a week with Mykonos, and Paros
  • Once a week with Tinos and Syros
Island Resources
  • Tel. code: 2281
  • Port Authority: Tel: 51470
  • Post Code: 84005
  • Police Livadi, Tel: 51300

More Serifos Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4