Cepheus, king of Ethiopia, and his wife Cassiopeia were the parents of Andromeda. Cassiopeia's boast against the Nereids brought Poseidon's wrath upon the kingdom and led to Andromeda being chained to a rock.
In some traditions, Cassiopeia supported Phineus of Aethiopia's prior betrothal claim to Andromeda against Perseus at the wedding feast, despite having earlier agreed to the match with Perseus.
Cassiopeia boasted that she surpassed the Nereids in beauty, provoking their outrage. The sea nymphs appealed to Poseidon to avenge the insult against them.
Poseidon punished Cassiopeia for her boast against the Nereids by sending a flood and the sea monster Cetus to ravage Aethiopia, ultimately condemning her daughter Andromeda to be sacrificed.
Cassiopeia's boast that she and Andromeda surpassed the Nereids in beauty brought Poseidon's punishment upon the entire kingdom. Andromeda was chained to a rock as sacrifice because of her mother's hubris.
Poseidon sent the sea monster Cetus to ravage Aethiopia as punishment for Cassiopeia's boast against the Nereids. The monster's attacks compelled the sacrifice of Andromeda.
Perseus negotiated with Cassiopeia and Cepheus for Andromeda's hand in marriage, promising to slay the sea monster ravaging their coast in exchange for their daughter.
After her death, Poseidon placed Cassiopeia among the stars as a constellation, but as punishment rather than honor — she revolves around the celestial pole, spending half the year hanging upside down on her throne.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. Learn more