Cassandra, also called Alexandra, was the fairest of the daughters of Priam and Hekabe. She was beloved by Apollo, who promised her the gift of prophecy if she would accept of his love. She consented, but having obtained the gift she refused to keep her promise. To punish her Apollo decreed that though she should correctly prophesy, no one should believe her. This was therefore her fate, and she in vain prophesied the fall of Troy.