PERSEUS THE INVINCIBLE
Galenor, the men in the forest are awaiting your signal.
My prince, the swamp monster isn't far from here.
We should look for another way to cross.
The men are afraid.
This is the only road that meets the sea.
The future of our people depends on the success of this mission.
We have a duty to try.
To the lake!
We'll all die here.
Retreat!
Over here.
Halt! We go no further.
This is the valley of petrified men, the kingdom of Medusa!
It's useless to flee.
Medusa will be watching for our departure and attack us.
We'll wait here in readiness for her.
Dnn't look at her or you'II be turned to stone by her gaze.
Come on!
Return to Argos.
Return to Argos!
It's impossible tn find a passageway leading to the sea.
Even Alcaeus succumbed to Medusa.
I needlessly sacrificed my 0wn son.
I shouldn't have have allnwed him to undertake that mission.
I alone am responsible for his fate.
I'll be tortured with remnrse until the day I die.
Father.
Why grieve like this?
Alcaeus acted for the good of our people.
Some day,
you'll see Medusa perish and Alcaeus return to life,
and all those she's turned to stone. Don't give up hope.
I hope I live long enough to see if this belief...
is nnt just the fruit of your imagination.
We respect your grief,
but we must carry on our commerce...
or Seriphos will fall under the domination of Argos.
I've governed Seriphos...
for over 20 years without war with Argos.
But without friendship, too.
The King knows that Medusa and the swamp monster...
block our route to the sea.
He's taken this oppnrtunity to charge a toll on our merchants...
who cross into his territory.
Argos has reduced our people to starvation.
He requires a tax on all our goods.
I'd rather die in an unwinnable war than be their slave as things stand now.
I have a hnrror nf war. That must be the last resort.
Your wisdom is honorable.
But there's another,
much simpler way.
Acrisius, King nf Argos, wishes to have his son Galenor...
marry your daughter Andromeda.
Thus our two peoples would be united,
and the merchants of Seriphos could pass unhindered.
Nn. That would mean yielding completely to Argos.
What's more,
I've Inst my son fighting this cause.
Don't ask me for another sacrifice...
that of my Andromeda.
Only I can arrange my own life.
I will get to know Galenor,
and I'll make my own decision.
Invite him to Seriphos.
Galenor is invited to Seriphos.
I managed tn arrange things according to your will.
That's good.
As always, I can count on your friendship.
And friendship has a price.
Go tell your King to receive my son with full honors.
Galenor will depart shortly.
Is Andromeda beautiful?
That's what they say.
But it's not so much beauty that matters.
I know that. It'll be a lovely day,
when I reign in bnth Argos and Seriphos.
Isn't that what you want?
That's only the beginning.
Accnrding to tradition, we must tell the Queen Mother.
Jupiter,
you who can read into the hearts of men:
Take pity on my pain.
Give me a sign of your power...
so I can continue to believe...
in the revenge that will eliminate my husband's assassin.
And my son?
Where is my son?
It's been 20 years since he was taken from me.
No news of him has come to comfort my heart.
Enough, Danae!
Your son is dead.
Resign yourself to reality. Face the truth.
You're my wife,
the Queen of Argos who lives at my side.
The love that ynu cnuld've given to your 0wn son,
give to mine, Galenor.
Renounce your folly!
Assassin.
Jupiter will never fnrgive my fatal error:
That I wed the murderer of my husband.
But I didn't know.
I had no idea...
and my people deserved a King.
Then stop raving before this stone statue!
Why do you leave this crazy old woman alive?
The people love their Queen, as you know.
And she despises us.
My son has returned.
The dead don't come back.
My son is alive.
He's come back to kill you.
Enough of this madness! Shut up!
Do you know this prophecy:
"Blood demands blood"?
The son of the King you murdered will eliminate you and your offspring.
And you, you will die by my son's hand.
I wish your snn was alive, so I could kill him in front of you!
My son will kill you.
He'll avenge the death of his father.
Before you die, you will recognize him.
He bears on his shnulder the three marks of Jupiter!
Don't forget, Galenor!
Before you die, you will recognize him.
Perseus!
Tn think that I taught you how to shoot. You came close to hurting me.
I shoot better than you do. I've nothing more to learn.
The student has surpassed the teacher.
We'll see about that.
Are you ready?
It's my turn.
Ready?
You won. I couldn't have done better myself.
Farewell.
Wait, you just got here.
Rest a little.
I have to go.
What's more, I don't like fishing by hand like you do.
If a trout escapes, I let it go. I only do this for fun.
- Like with a certain wnman. - Who do you mean?
You.
Well said. Who told you to say that?
I've wanted tn tell ynu fnr a long time, but I couldn't find the words.
And you never give me the time to do it, you always leave so quickly.
I don't even know your name.
You'll find out later. But now I must go.
Farewell.
When will I find out your name?
The day I decide you will.
When will you come back?
She appeared and disappeared even faster than before.
She's like a Goddess. Maybe one from these mountains.
If she returns, I'll prevent her from leaving.
Whether Goddess or mere mnrtal, I'll keep her with me.
I love her so much.
But you already knew that, eh?
Where is Andromeda?
I don't know.
On behalf of my people, I bid you a warm welcome.
I doubt ynur people share that sentiment.
Enter my humble abode.
I've heard tell of ynur beauty, but I see...
no words were equal to it.
Your gallantry is honorable.
Here are some gifts, that are very drab compared to you.
Accept them as a tribute that will open the pathway...
leading to your heart.
The heart is a wealth that can't be sold. It must be offered freely.
You must be tired.
Tomorrow, I'II organize a hunting party in your honor.
Princes frnm neighboring provinces...
will come to see you.
We'll take you to your room.
You didn't answer my proposal.
It's a little soon for that. I don't know you very well.
I knew when I saw ynu that you were the one.
Your enthusiasm makes you say silly things.
Look.
Ask the stone why it fell,
and it will answer that it was thrown by my hand...
ignoring that it obeys the law of gravity.
What do you mean by that?
That no one escapes their fate.
And I'm your destiny.
I like to challenge fate.
That would be unwise.
We're expected for the hunt.
We'll resume this conversation later.
Your daughter is playing with fire. Why is the decision up to her?
I don't want to force Andromeda.
After all, it's her life. It's hers to decide.
Galenor expects an answer. If he feels offended,
all our hopes will crumble.
My daughter knows what she wants.
Stop!
This deer was mine. He had no right...
Wild animals belong to the king and the princess.
Get on your knees, wretch!
The princess?
Bow down!
Must I bow down tn ynu also, or spit in your face?
No! Don't strike an unarmed man.
There's no question I can beat this mongrel.
- Give him a whip. - Take this one.
This will be a spectacular show.
A duel with whips.
The sword is a snldier's weapnn. For him, a whip will have to do.
- Nn. - He's offended us. He must die.
Our laws don't allow a man to be executed...
if he cannot defend himself.
He'll pay.
Since you cnmmitted an offense, you'll have to atone for it.
Very well.
A tournament will be held tomorrow. You'll both fight equally armed.
Each of you will defend the colors of your own city.
You'll defend the colors of Seriphos. Do you accept?
Yes, princess.
You were waiting for my answer?
Then here it is:
I will wed the tournament's champion.
Then consider me ynur husband. I'll be the winner.
That honor will cost you dearly.
I declare the tournament open.
Choose the weapon you prefer.
May the Gods prntect the bravest...
am0ng you.
Don't forget, Galenor!
Before you die,
you will recognize him!
Tell me your name sn I may announce the winner.
I asked you your name.
My name is Perseus.
But it doesn't matter because I don't want anything.
Neither ynur kingdnm nor your daughter.
Who is your father?
I know neither my father nor my mother.
I appoint you my chief guard.
Come back here!
That's an order.
If you reject Galenor, there will be war.
I refuse to be the cause of that. That's why we must go our separate ways.
I can have no claim on you.
My love could give much to you.
Stop tormenting me.
Someday, I may succeed in forgetting you.
Help me to find the strength to give you up.
I won't allow it.
I refuse to sacrifice my life with you.
It's not just about us. On meeting Galenor,
I knew marriage with him would reduce my people to slavery.
While you...
you are my only hope.
Please leave me.
Our men are ready.
- Then move out. - Right.
Alert! Alert!
Stop those men!
Come on! Quickly, after them!
To your horses! Quickly!
They've abducted the princess.
Listen!
Delay them. We must gain time.
Guards! Guards!
No! No!
War is inevitable now.
My people are risking their lives.
Wars are played on the battlefield. That's where I'll be.
What can you do alone?
The king of Argos has a powerful army.
Our best men were killed by the swamp monster...
or turned to stone by Medusa.
Like my poor brother Alcaeus.
I knnw. Those monsters have made Argos invincible.
They say that if Medusa dies, the petrified men will come back to life.
Is that true?
I don't know. That's what the legend says.
Nobody knows if it's true.
Perhaps Medusa can't die.
You know,
I thought I could convince Galenor...
to give up his plans of domination...
and avoid a war.
I thnught I could cnntrol events stronger than myself.
What an illusion!
I'm a woman. I know I spoiled everything.
My people's fate is sealed.
There's still hope.
I'II take Galenor back to Argos.
I'll speak to the king. Maybe I can convince him.
No, the risk is too great.
I must try.
Take the horse.
To your horses!
Escort the princess to Seriphos.
Prince Galenor will return with me to Argos.
I know you won't change your mind.
I'II wait for you.
I'll return. Don't worry.
Onward to Argos.
What a comforting sight. We greatly need it.
After winning the tnurnament, I saved your son.
I spared him again...
when I prevented the abduction of my king's daughter.
I took with force...
what was due me!
But you failed.
Have this man executed. He's a danger to us.
Your courage surprises me!
It's not my blood that flows through your veins.
No danger frightens me!
What do you want?
That ynu live in peace with the people of Seriphos,
and that your snn renounce his claim on Andromeda.
- Anything else? - Yes.
That you let the traders of Seriphos pass through your territory...
without taxing them.
That's putting it bluntly.
Why should I accept?
Because if there is a war, I'll be leading the army of Seriphos.
And I'II continue nn as long as there's one soldier left to resist you.
Even if you emerge the victor,
it will cost you dearly.
And you will have won a dead populace...
and a ruined city.
What would be the point of it?
I should have ynu hanged for your impudence.
A war won't solve matters.
I propose a combat to decide for us.
A duel between your son and myself.
We're stronger than you, yet you're the one imposing conditions?
Shut up.
I'll think about it.
I owe that for the life of my son.
I offer you hospitality here. You'll be treated with deference.
Go!
Have you become a coward?
Does the idea of fighting this man frighten you?
I can fight and defeat any mortal,
but not the will of the Gods.
What did you say?
Have you gone mad?
Can you treat my wound?
It's strange, but I have a sense of deja vu.
Most likely from a dream.
What is it? Why do you look at me like that?
Pardon the curinsity of an old woman.
Thnse three marks nn your shoulder, where did they come from?
I don't know. I've always had them. They bring me luck.
Listen.
I know someone whn can heal your wound very quickly.
It's only superficial.
It's better to heal it, believe me. Trust me.
This claptrap has made you lose your head!
You wnuldn't say that if you'd been in my place.
During our fight,
I was thrown to the ground...
at the feet of the shouting crowd,
and I saw the marks on his shoulder.
And this vnice kept hammering me about the prophecy!
Enough!
I tell you, it's him.
I know that.
I understand it. That's why I was frightened!
My son...
it's you.
I know now that my hope was justified.
Mother.
What an immense joy when I say that word.
"Mother"...- a word fnr me that evoked no face.
You're here,
at my side.
This isn't a dream, but reality.
I've found my son.
- The prophecy is therefore true. - Shhh...
We must leave.
It's too dangerous here.
If they discover who you are,
they'll want to kill you.
They don't frighten me.
Away from here, you can rouse the people.
The power of Acrisius lies in the mercenaries he pays for,
but the populace hates both him and his son.
When they find nut that you're the legitimate king of Argos...
No! They'll never find out!
Guards! This man has violated the rules of hospitality!
He killed the queen!
Arrest him!
No!
Don't violate this temple with a second outrage!
He killed the queen!
The murderer is...
Catch him!
Don't try to escape! Capture him!
I'm nnt afraid nf you anymnre! Face me...
Grab a sword! Fight against me,
so I can plunge this blade...
into your heart!
I'll return, Galenor!
To avenge my mother and take back my throne!
And when I defeat you, I'll show no mercy!
I'll crush you with my hands!
Come back here! Come Back Here!
You can attack with my army.
No. The army of Argos is too strong.
Galennr and Acrisius must be reduced to nothing.
What can you do all alone?
Let our men fight with you.
Your people shouldn't fight on my behalf.
It's my business and that of my people in Argos.
Whatever you decide, you can rely on us.
My army is ready to help.
I'm eternally grateful to you.
I must go.
All nf our meetings seem to end in farewell.
- They won't, someday. - Take me with you.
Don't make this separation even harder.
On my return,
I'll keep you close to me forever.
Perseus has fled to Seriphos.
He must be killed, demolished completely.
The army will be ready at dawn.
We'II leave shortly after that.
Prepare yourselves!
Don't have too much impatience, father.
Ynu've recaptured your zeal from earlier times.
I'm proud of you.
I, Perseus, son of Danae,
legitimate king of Argos,
declare that the prince is an assassin and a usurper.
I call upon my people!
Men of Argos, take up arms...
and follow me!
This tyranny must come to an end!
The war against Acrisius and Galenor...
has been declared!
Guards! Arrest that traitor!
Long live Perseus, king of Argos!
We're ready.
Hopefully Galennr can lead them into his trap.
My son will succeed.
Galenor!
Withdraw! Quickly!
Galenor!
Here's the end to this ridiculous story.
Return to Argos.
Gather the army tngether. They leave for Seriphos.
Let's go.
Our men were either killed or dispersed.
But at least the swamp monster is dead.
Argos is vulnerable on that side.
If your army attacks by surprise, it can win.
Acrisius believes I'm dead and is preparing to attack you.
Assume command.
Very well.
May the gods protect your enterprise.
Assemble the men. We're leaving.
I knew one day you'd save us.
Move in here.
Too late.
Prepare our defense!
It's no doubt useless.
We can't resist a siege for long.
There's still a chance:
Reunite the dispersed soldiers and attack Acrisius.
Stay with us, you'll be more useful here.
Trust me.
If they haven't accepted our conditions before dawn,
we'll attack.
Tomorrow, Andromeda will be mine.
And the people of Seriphos will be at our feet.
Even the horses are nervous.
They sense that battle is near.
My friend.
All dead.
Those who escaped...
have been turned to stone...
in the valley of Medusa.
It's all over.
Not yet. I'm going to bring them back.
Useless.
Others have tried...
before you.
They're our companions.
Alcaeus, the men of Seriphos...
I must try.
Medusa is dead!
You can return to life!
Medusa is dead!
Return to life!
The spell is lifted!
Why have you not returned?
You must come back to life!
Cast death aside!
I killed Medusa!
I killed her so that you could come back to life...
and take your revenge!
Blessed are the Gods.
It's a miracle! It's a miracle!
Medusa is dead!
Who killed her?
We're alive! We're alive again!
Hail Jupiter! We're alive
Who are you?
You're Alcaeus, son of the king of Seriphos.
Send in the cavalry.
He's alive!
THE END