Medusa

• Gorgon Sisters


  Medusa was one of three Gorgon sisters in Greek mythology, monstrous creatures with snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looked at them into stone
• Curse of Medusa


  Medusa's fate was sealed when she incurred the wrath of the goddess Athena. According to some versions of the myth, Medusa's beauty attracted the attention of the sea god Poseidon, who seduced her in Athena's temple. Enraged by this sacrilege, Athena cursed Medusa, transforming her into a hideous monster with snakes for hair and a gaze that turned anyone who looked at her into stone
• Perseus' Quest


  The hero Perseus was tasked with slaying Medusa as part of his quest to obtain the head of the Gorgon as a gift for King Polydectes. With the help of divine gifts from the gods, including a mirrored shield from Athena, winged sandals from Hermes, and a sword from Zeus, Perseus embarked on his perilous journey
• Beheading of Medusa


  Armed with his gifts and aided by Athena's guidance, Perseus managed to locate Medusa's lair. Using the reflective shield to avoid looking directly at Medusa, he approached her while she slept and decapitated her with a single stroke of his sword
• Pegasus and Chrysaor


  From Medusa's severed neck sprang forth two offspring: the winged horse Pegasus and the golden giant Chrysaor
• Symbolism


  The myth of Medusa has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some see her as a symbol of female monstrosity and the dangers of unchecked feminine power, while others view her as a symbol of victimization and the consequences of male violence against women
• Heroic Deeds of Perseus


  Perseus' slaying of Medusa was one of his most famous heroic deeds, demonstrating his courage, resourcefulness, and divine favor