Phineus (son of Belus)

[2] The affair appears to have formed part of Euripides' lost Andromeda,[3] and receives a single line in Apollodorus' Bibliotheca,[2] but the only extensive ancient treatment is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses.

[5] Perseus was successful, but as he recounted his deeds to the court, a spear-brandishing Phineus interrupted him: "en" ait, 'en adsum praereptae coniugis ultor; nec mihi te pennae nec falsum versus in aurum Iuppiter eripiet."

"[6] Phineus' presumed motive in marrying Andromeda was to strengthen his claim to the throne, rather than any interest in the girl herself.

Cepheus scolded his brother for this outburst, pointing out that he had done nothing to help Andromeda in the crisis, but Phineus still cast his spear at Perseus.

Although he missed, a fierce battle ensued in which many fell, until Perseus held up the head of the Gorgon, turning all his remaining enemies (except for Phineus) to stone.