Andromeda is a galaxy, and also a constillation. The name comes from the Latinized form of the Greek []. The name means "to think of a man." and comes from [andros] "man" combined with [medomai] "to think, to be mindful of."

She was the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, who were king and queen of the Phoenician kindom of Ethiopia. Her mother bragged that she was more beautiful than the Nereids. In punishment Poseidon sent Cetus to ravage the coast of Ethiopia and the queen. An Oracle of Zeus said that the only way to calm it was to sacrifice his virgin daughter Andromeda.

Perseus returning from slaying Medusa found Andromeda and slew the monsther Cetus. He set her free and the two of them married. After her death she was played by Athena amonst the constellations in the northen sky, near Perseus and Cassiopeia.