In Greek mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, king and queen of ancient Ethiopia. Her mother Cassiopeia boasted that she was more beautiful than the Nereids, a display of hubris by a human that was unacceptable to the Gods. To punish the queen for her arrogance, Poseidon flooded the Ethiopian coast and sent a sea monster named Cetus to ravage the kingdom’s inhabitants. In desperation, King Cepheus consulted the oracle of Ammon, who announced that no respite would be found until the king sacrificed his daughter, Andromeda, to the monster. She was thus chained to a rock on the coast to await her death.
Perseus was just then flying near the coast of Ethiopia on his winged sandals, having slain the Gorgon Medusa and carrying her severed head, which could instantly turn to stone any who looked at it. Upon seeing Andromeda bound to the rock, Perseus fell in love with her, and he secured Cepheus’ promise of her hand in marriage if he could save her. Perseus killed the monster with the magical sword he had used against Medusa.