η Μέδουσα: the Beautiful Revenge

-By Ana Binny

Ever wonder who and how turned Medusa (Wikipedia contributors 1–2) into a gorgon? Then you should read this article. We will examine the complete myth of Medusa together, covering all the details you want to understand about the renowned Gorgon.

Over generations of time, Medusa has maintained her stature by inspiring writers and artists in the visual arts until this day. Medusa was portrayed by Caravaggio as a beast found in Hell, while Versace created a logo inspired by her figure (Storealimie). Dante wrote about Medusa as a beast located in Hell. In today's male-dominated world, Medusa has transformed from

being a representation of terror, revulsion, and fear to one of strength and female empowerment.

So What Exactly Did Medusa Become?

A gorgon is a mystical entity from medieval Greek mythology. A gorgon is a monstrous creature of abhorrent ugliness and terror.

The word "Gorgon," or Γοργόvα, in ancient Greek, means "dreadful," and that is exactly what they were. The eyes of the Gorgons, which can turn anyone who glances at them into stone, and their venomous snakes in place of hair are what set them apart from other creatures. They feature rounded, abnormal heads and wings in many of the old representations.

In legend, there are three main Gorgons: Euryale, Medusa, and Stheno. These are all sisters, offspring of Phorcys and Keto (Phorkys) the sea deities, only Medusa being mortal.

Homer and Hesiod include the earliest recorded references to Medusa as a gorgon in literary works. In the Odyssey, Odysseus expresses his dread of facing the Gorgon's head while in the underworld, but no further information is provided:

“but so many thousands of ghosts came round me and uttered such appalling cries, that I was panic-stricken lest Proserpine should send up from the house of Hades the head of that awful monster Gorgon.” (XI.635)

In the Illiad, Medusa’s head is fixed at the center of Athena’s aegis:

“Onset, that maketh the blood run cold, and therein is the head of the dread monster, the Gorgon, dread and awful, a portent of Zeus that beareth the aegis.” (V.735)

And the shield of Agamemnon:

“And thereon was set as a crown the Gorgon, grim of aspect, glaring terribly, and about her were Terror and Rout.” (XI.35)

Her Ancestry

As per Hesiod's Theogony, Pontus (meaning Sea) was parthenogenetically born of Gaia (meaning Earth). Together, Pontus and Gaia gave birth to Medusa's parents, Phorkys and Keto, a term for sea monsters or big aquatic creatures like whales. The three daughters that the two of them had are referred to as the Gorgons. Medusa was the only one of those three who was mortal.

Along with other monsters and deities, Phorkys and Keto also gave birth to another set of triplets, the Graie. The main feature that set the Graie apart was that they only shared one tooth and one eye between them

.

Medusa's Transformation

Ovid claims that Medusa was once a stunning young lady. Until one day, within Athena's temple, Poseidon attacked her. This was perceived as a huge arrogance toward the deity, whose hallowed sanctuary had been tarnished. Like most Greek gods, Athena was enraged with the poor mortal Medusa, who was the victim and not the cause of these events.

The myth as told by Apollodorus states that Medusa's claim to be more beautiful than the deity caused Athena to become enraged with her. Still, the outcome remained the same in both situations.

Ultimately, Medusa was transformed by Athena into a terrifying Gorgon with poisonous snakes in place of hair. Her appearance was so repulsive that anyone who saw her transformed into stone.

Athena was not content with this harsh punishment, either, and she decided to assist Perseus in his search for Medusa's head.

How Did Medusa Die?

 The myth of Medusa’s death involves multiple other men, heroes, and deities. The key person in the story, other than Medusa herself, is Perseus. His story begins when Zeus mated with Danae in the form of a rain of gold. Out of this union, the legendary hero Perseus was born.

Perseus’ Promise

The account recalls how, as an adult, Perseus encountered a challenge when King Polydektes of Seriphos attempted to wed his mother Danae against her consent. After Perseus stood up for her, Polydektes announced a fictitious marriage to a different woman and demanded expensive gifts from the guests, including horses. Instead, Perseus mockingly offered to fetch Medusa's head. Seizing the chance, Polydektes demanded that Perseus keep his word in the hopes that Medusa would murder him. Despite the narrative's flaws, the myth emphasizes how Perseus unintentionally put himself in peril by accepting this duty, which launches the entire adventure.

Athena Takes Perseus’ Side

In his attempt to vanquish Medusa, Perseus encountered an almost impossible challenge; however, the goddess Athena intervened to save him. Perseus was advised to seek assistance from the Graie by Athena, who also warned him not to look at Medusa since her stare would turn him to stone. Through deceit, Perseus was able to learn about the Stygian nymphs and acquire magical objects from them, including an adamantine sickle, a sack for Medusa's head, Hades' helmet of invisibility, and winged sandals. He has the advantage he needed to finish his seemingly difficult job thanks to these relics.

Perseus Takes Medusa’s Head

Perseus arrived at the Gorgons and discovered them resting peacefully. He moved closer, using Athena's shield as a mirror to deflect Medusa's fatal stare, and with Athena's helping hand, he severed Medusa's head with the adamantine sickle. Pegasus and Chrysaor, two winged horses, emerged from Medusa's severed body. After finishing his audacious mission, Perseus swiftly placed Medusa's head in his bag, put on Hades' invisibility helmet to evade the other Gorgons' notice, and used his winged shoes to flee from their pursuit.

Athena and the Gorgon Medusa

A closer examination of the story indicates that Athena was the real mastermind behind Medusa's demise, despite Perseus being conventionally credited with the deed. Out of resentment, Athena had first transformed Medusa into a gorgon and then helped Perseus kill her. Following Medusa's demise, Perseus utilized her head to vanquish his adversaries, spare his mother from an unwanted marriage, and preserve Andromeda—his future bride. Athena eventually received Medusa's head from Perseus and wore it as a symbol of her victory on her aegis.

Athena’s use of Medusa's head signifies more than a personal triumph—it symbolizes the victory of civilization over nature, order over chaos, and reason over instinct. Medusa, as a figure outside societal norms, contrasts with Athena, the virgin goddess who embodies patriarchal ideals. Thus, Athena’s assimilation of Medusa’s powers suggests not just victory over her enemy but a reinforcement of patriarchal control, enhancing her strength while subduing female independence and sexuality.

Conclusion

At the end of this Horrid tale of lost love, betrayal, and pride we see various interpretations all over the internet.

Many say it was A goddess's jealousy or hatred that provoked her into turning the maiden into a dreadful monster while some believe that Athena truly saw the horrendous crime committed against her and granted her powers that would protect herself .. that would make her into a being of fear. Medusa became the most feared monster and no one dared to look into her eyes.

Nietzsche once said that.

"If you kill a cockroach you are a hero, if you kill a butterfly you are bad.

Morality has aesthetic standards."

Works Cited

Apollodorus. The Library, Volume I: Books 1-3.9. Translated by James G. Frazer. Loeb Classical Library 121. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1921.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Metamorphoses". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Metamorphoses-poem-by-Ovid. Accessed 6 October 2024.

Chaliakopoulos, Antonis. "Ever Wondered Who Turned Medusa Into a Gorgon and How?" TheCollector.com, December 16, 2020, https://www.thecollector.com/medusa-gorgon-head/.

---. “The Meaning Behind the Versace Logo: Unraveling the Mystery of Medusa.” Medium, 6 July 2023, medium.com/@storealimie/the-meaning-behind-the-versace-logo-unraveling-the-mystery-of-medusa-987d52d58d6b.

PHORCYS (Phorkys) - Greek God of Sea Dangers, Old Man of the Sea. www.theoi.com/Pontios/Phorkys.html.

Wikipedia contributors. "Versace." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 Aug. 2024. Web. 6 Oct. 2024.

Wikipedia contributors. "Cultural depictions of Medusa and Gorgons." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Aug. 2024. Web. 6 Oct. 2024

Wikipedia contributors. “Medusa.” Wikipedia, 18 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa#:~:text='guardian%2C%20protectress')%2C%20also,her%20was%20turned%20to%20stone.