COL146

2013

Other

Medusa, in mythology, was one of the three Gorgons, monstrous daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. Unlike her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, Medusa was initially known for her striking beauty.

Accounts vary, but the most common story states that Medusa was a priestess of Athena, who, in some versions, was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple. Enraged by this defilement, Athena transformed Medusa's beautiful hair into snakes. Her gaze then became lethal, turning anyone who looked directly at her into stone.

Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë, was tasked with retrieving Medusa's head. Guided by Hermes and Athena, he used a mirrored shield to avoid looking directly at her. He beheaded Medusa while she slept, and Pegasus, the winged horse, sprang from her neck. Perseus used Medusa's head as a weapon before eventually gifting it to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the Aegis.