Who is Medusa and what did she do?

In Greek mythology, Medusa (/mɪˈdjuːzə, -sə/; Ancient Greek: Μέδουσα “guardian, protectress”) also called Gorgo, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone.

Why did Medusa turn into Medusa?

Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon, Athena punished her. She turned Medusa into a hideous hag, making her hair into writhing snakes and her skin was turned a greenish hue.

Was Medusa a leader?

In ancient Greek mythology, Medusa is a Gorgon, one of three hideous sisters whose appearance turns men to stone. To the Greeks, Medusa is the leader of an ancient, older matriarchal religion that had to be obliterated; in modern culture, she represents vital sensuality and a power that is threatening to males.

Why did Medusa become a monster?

It is in the Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses that her story is most deeply elaborated. She was lovely, according to the poem—until she was raped in Athena’s temple by Poseidon. Athena then punished her for this violation, by turning her into the monstrous, stony-glanced creature that we know.

What does Medusa symbolize?

The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.

What does Medusa tattoo symbolize?

According to The Met Museum, Medusa is portrayed in most Greek art as an “apotropaic symbol used to protect and ward off the negative,” representing a “dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.”

Why did Athena punish Medusa and not Poseidon?

The first reason for why Athena punished Medusa instead of Poseidon is: she could not punish Poseidon. After all, Poseidon was the chief god of the sea. Only Zeus could have a chance to punish Poseidon for what he did. That is not to mention Poseidon was the uncle of Athena.

Who is Medusa’s husband?

One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology, Medusa was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. She went against her vow and married him.

Was Athena protecting Medusa?

Athena is a virgin goddess, one who was the patron of Medusa. When Poseidon raped Medusa, she called out to Athena for both forgiveness and guidance. Thus, transforming Medusa was not an act of rage, rather, it was an act of protection. Athena could not punish Poseidon for what he did to Medusa.

Is Medusa a victim or villain?

Medusa was raped by Poseidon, but instead of being defended by her patron goddess, Athena, she was punished for being raped. This makes Medusa a victim.

What is the moral of the story of Medusa?

I think that the moral of Medusa tells us to appreciate others and to think about others as well as yourself. It tells the reader not to make the same mistake as Medusa did, and if you do you will have to pay for it. I think it also tells us to think before you say things.

What does a Medusa Tattoo mean for a girl?

According to The Met Museum, Medusa is portrayed in most Greek art as an “apotropaic symbol used to protect and ward off the negative,” representing a “dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.” In modern tales of Gorgon though, she is a symbol of female rage.

What does Medusa represent in Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology, Medusa (/mɪˈdjuːzə, -sə/; Μέδουσα “guardian, protectress”) was a monster, a Gorgon , generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.

How is Medusa in Greek mythology turned into a monster?

How Medusa in Greek Mythology Turned Into a Monster Beautiful Priestess to Athena. According to the stories, there was a time when Medusa was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Ancient Greece. Medusa Catches Poseidon’s Eye. Many of Medusa’s suitors remained content to simply admire her beauty from a distance. Athena Curses Medusa. So how does Medusa become a monster? Medusa is Banished.

What is the true story of Medusa?

Medusa is a character in Greek mythology. Her story has been told and retold by ancient and modern storytellers, writers, and artists. The Latin poet Ovid writes in Book IV of his Metamorphoses that Poseidon had raped Medusa in the temple of Athena. The goddess was outraged, and changed Medusa into a monster with snakes for hair.

Who killed Medusa in Greek?

Medusa was beheaded by the Greek hero Perseus, who then used her head, which retained its ability to turn onlookers to stone, as a weapon until he gave it to the goddess Athena to place on her shield. In classical antiquity, the image of the head of Medusa appeared in the evil-averting device known as the Gorgoneion.