Final answer:
The meaning of Perseus' myth is shaped by its reception; it can represent the Sun overcoming night, emphasizing cosmic order, and his divine parentage alters the view of his heroism from mortal bravery to divinely influenced and assisted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reception of the Perseus myth and its interpretations can shape the focus of his heroic narrative in various ways.
Firstly, when comparing the legend of Perseus to the ancient Mesopotamian myth of Marduk and Tiamat, scholars suggest that Perseus represents the Sun, with Andromeda as the dawn, and the monster he defeats as the power of the night. This astronomical and natural phenomenon symbolism changes the focus of the Perseus narrative from simply a story of adventure to one of cosmic order and the daily victory of light over darkness.
Secondly, the context of Perseus being a demigod, specifically son of Zeus, highlights the intervention of divinity in his quests. This divine connection changes how we view his heroism, transforming it from pure bravery to one that is fated by divine heritage and aided by the gods, as signified by his acquisition of Athena's shield and Hermes' sandals.