Perses

Overview

Etymology

The name “Perses” (Greek Πέρσης, translit. Pérsēs) may be related to the Greek word πέρθω (pérthō), meaning “destroy” (itself a word of uncertain etymology).

Attributes

The ancients had little to say about Perses or his attributes. However, the poet Hesiod did describe him as “eminent among all men in wisdom.”^[1]

Family

Perses was one of the sons of Crius, a Titan, and Eurybia, a daughter of Gaia and Pontus. He had two brothers, Astraeus and Pallas.^[2]

Mythology

Perses is a shadowy figure; his role in Greek mythology appears to have been limited to his genealogical function as the husband of Asteria and the (possible) father of Hecate.