Today we will dive right into another chapter of our Story Time, concerning one of the most iconic figures in Greek mythology - Medusa. In the Greek pantheon, which is rich with gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, Medusa stands as figure both feared and fascinating. And now we will find out why…
Imagine a woman with beautiful hair turned into wriggling snakes and a gaze so powerful it could turn people into stone.
But Medusa wasn't always this way. Born as the daughter of Phorcys and Ceto she lived “beyond famed Oceanus at the world’s edge hard by Night” (Hesiod: “Theogony”). She and her two sisters Sthenno and Euryale were known as the Gorgons. Unlike her sisters though, who were thought to be monsters, Medusa was born mortal and of immense beauty.
She was a priestess in the temple of Athena, where according to Ovid’s Metamorphoses the beautiful maiden caught the eye of Poseidon, who desired her and proceeded to ravage her in Athena’s temple.
Athena - upon finding out, that her temple had been sullied - got very angry and transformed Medusa into the monster that most of us know her as. Her silky hair twisted into hissing snakes, and her once-kind eyes became a danger that could freeze anyone who dared to look at her. It was a sad and lonely fate for the once-beautiful priestess.
And then there was Perseus - given his quest by Polydectes - came to defeat the fearsome Medusa. The gods provided him with tools to protect himself. Among them, a shiny shield that reflected Medusa's gaze, allowing him to approach without turning into stone and to cut her head.
We will leave this story here, as there is still more to it than would reasonably fit into our Story Time ;) But if you are interested to learn more about Medusa, Perseus and the Greek pantheon, I highly recommend "Uncovering Greek Mythology".
In Modern times, Medusa gets to shine in a new light - while she is portrayed as a monster, the circumstances leading to her transformation give us much to think about. She was clearly a victim of the capricious nature of the gods and had to endure the punishment for a crime she did not even commit herself.
The image of Medusa's head now becomes a sign of protection from negative energies. A symbol of survival, strength, and overcoming assault!