Medusa, The Misunderstood Gorgon
Medusa, the Misunderstood Gorgon
By having the appearance of gruesome scaly skin with pure piercing green eyes, and the uncanny appearance of snake. This terrifying beast with collective serpent skin tied around her waist like a belt, is the one and only Medusa, as her Mythology name suggests. Medusa is most notably known for her distinctive snakes for hair. Not only did she have snakes for hair that already appalled all of mankind, she also has the capacity to turn anyone who looks into her eyes into stone. It is said, that because Medusa has such a grotesque appearance, anyone who looks into her eyes is petrified in fright, literally (Wilk, Stephen 5-6). However, as scary as Medusa may sound like, she has been the victim of having her story tainted and twisted to make it seem as if she were the bad guy; in reality Medusa was a victim of betrayal and rape, in other words she was misunderstood.
Medusa was originally “normal” looking but after offending Athena without even meaning to, her whole life fell …show more content…
before her. Long ago, there lived a beautiful woman who served in Athena’s palace as a priestess, Athena was a beautiful greek goddess of wisdom and war; she was a barbaric soul who let nothing, not even her sex and gender get in the way (Hall 3). The priestess was fond of Athena, that is why she served her. glorious flawless skin and silky gold hair and perfect anatomy, made all the women jealous and the men lustful (Carroll). One day while she was cleaning up the palace Poseidon abruptly disturbed her. Poseidon is the God of the Sea, He is an intensely powerful and violent god. Even though Poseidon was already the husband of Amphitrite who was Queen of the Sea and had children ("Poseidon"), he was not loyal and raped the priestess. Athena was enraged, and not for the reason countless of people would think. Athena was outraged for the fact that the woman was raped in her sacred palace and blamed Medusa for the atrocious act. Although, it was not even Medusa’s fault Athena was outraged Medusa had let this happen, and began to disfigure Medusa’s delicate build and gave her snakes in place of hair (Carroll). According to Ḏḥwty who is a student working toward a BA degree in archeology has described the changing of the hair to snakes, could symbolize “evil.” Similar to the Adam and Eve story, where Eve was tricked by a serpent to commit a sin, leading them to become outcasts. Similar to Medusa also becoming an outcast. The Gorgon sisters, however, took her in and together they became the three Gorgon sister’s. Their names were Stheno, Euryale and the utmost infamous of the Gorgon sisters is Medusa (“Gorgon”).
Medusa gained a reputation for her appearance after she was outcasted, but, it wouldn’t be long until someone would also gain a reputation of killing her. Perseus who was the son of Zeus and Danae, was thrown into the sea by his grandfather. An oracle had said to the grandfather that Pursues was going to be the one to kill him and take his throne. Perseus and his mother Danae were thrown into the sea where they washed up on a beach where King Polydectes found them. King Polydectes had then begun to fancy Perseus mother, Danae. The King however, was embarrassed to show any affection toward his mother Danae while Perseus was there. So the King requested him to go and Slay the monster Medusa. He believed that Perseus would fail and would have Danae all to himself (Wilk 19-20). But, the gods intervened and helped Perseus. Hermes gave him a curved sword, Athena a mirror-like shield, and Hades gave him a helmet that would turn him invisible. Perseus went to Medusa’s cave and succeeded in killing Medusa. The shield Athena had given him served it’s purpose in acting like a mirror, and allowed Perseus to see Medusa and without being turned to stone. He then used the helmet Hades gave him, and used it to sneak up on Medusa and cut her head off (Wilk 21-23).
Even after having her head cut off, Medusa did not stop there; she would forever curse the land she made her way by, although, she was now immobile. As Medusa's metallic liquid flowed endlessly from her wound onto the grainy plains of Libya, each drop transformed into venomous serpents as if marking their territory (Burton). Her powers were as well unharmed, even after her harrowing death she still pierced mankind with her black marble eyes. Perseus decides to take her head and use Medusa’s power to get back to his mother. On his way to go save his mother he encountered the Titan Atlas, Atlas had once raged war on Zeus and was forced to hold up Mount Olympus as punishment (Ḏḥwty). Perseus asked the Titan for a place to rest, but, Atlas refused. Perseus knew he wouldn’t be able to defeat Atlas with brute force so instead he used Medusa’s power and turned Atlas into a mountain (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”). Hence, the name “Mount Olympus.”
Perseus always find himself in trouble no matter where he goes, however, this time he will gain a new companion and return home. After resting on the mountain, Perseus continues his adventure; On his way to his mother he once again runs into another problem. He runs into a girl named Andromeda who is being sent to be sacrificed to the sea monster Cetus. She has been sent as punishment for her mother boasting about her beauty, even going into depth that Andromeda is even more gorgeous than Nereids. Nereids were sea nymphs who accompanied Poseidon all over the sea. Poseidon was angry because of this statement and decides to punish Andromeda for it. But, Perseus saves Andromeda and then uses Medusa’s head on Phineus,who was Andromeda’s uncle as well a person she was betrothed to (Wilk 23). After Perseus saves her, he marries Andromeda and they both head off to save his mother. In order to save his mother from King Polydectes, he turns the king into stone and escapes the island with his mother. Later, they manage to head back to their homeland and Perseus decides to give Medusa’s head to Athena, in thanks for assisting him on his quest; this can be described as a votive gift. After the gift, Athena always remembers to goes into battle with Medusa’s head on her aegis (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”), which can basically be interpreted as animal skin or a shield; In this case it was Medusa’s head that Athena wore on her shield.
Medusa’s story has always been very popular, in the old days she represented power and loss; that is why she became a symbol for power in the old days. Her power was to be able to petrify a person, this could be can represented as the dynamic force of the female gaze. Not only that, but it’s almost as if she is also avenging her own rape through her gaze. The person Medusa dedicated her life to, betrayed her for the crime Poseidon undertook. Medusa was not only a victim of rape but, also a victim of being betrayed by her ideal figure who she lived for (Burton). She is iconic for being in the temple of Artemis; In the temple there is an image of the three Gorgon sisters inscribed onto the architectural structures. This image is thought to have been created during 580 BCE. Not only where the images of the Gorgon sisters inscribed in structures, but they were also a popular shield design. The shield designs were made to strike fear into the opponent a person was facing. One of the most popular art design of Medusa is a statue that is located in the Pantheon made by Phidias (Garcia). The statue depicts Athena in her temple with the face of Medusa on her breastplate armour (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”). This can be seen as ironic, due to the fact that it was Athena who had placed the curse Medusa. Medusa has always been accommodated as a fearsome, beastly creature that tormented souls everywhere, however, there were people who respected and appreciated her. Medusa was just a misunderstood mortal. She was betrayed and later beheaded by Perseus. But, to the people who do know her brave tale such as the Greek and Romans, used Medusa as a figure to ward off evil. This could tie into the adventure of Perseus, and how he managed to survive and ward off evil with Medusa’s head alongside him. Greeks and Romans engraved the image of the post-priestess on just about anything, such as shields, breastplates, mosaics, and even coins. On the coins, people could either get the one with Perseus holding Medusa’s head in his hand, an image similar to a person wandering off the dark with a lantern by their side. Almost as if Medusa lit the way, another coin depicts Medusa’s head individually, which people could also acquire (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”).
There were many reasons as to why Medusa was misunderstood, one could be because she was written differently in different stories that did not give the whole picture.
One of the earliest mentions of the snake post-priestess is in the ancient text of Hesiod’s Theogony. In this book it depicts Medusa of her origin and her death. But, in Ovid’s Metamorphosis is is more informative about her adventures away from her body (Ḏḥwty). A popular quote from the book Metamorphosis portrays her in her youth. “Medusa once had charms; to gain her love A rival crowd of envious lovers strove. They, who have seen her, own, they ne'er did trace More moving features in a sweeter face. Yet above all, her length of hair, they own, In golden ringlets wav'd, and graceful shone.” (Ovid 1717). In Ovid’s version after she was beheaded out sprang a Pegasus, a winged horse. In Theogony it is also mentioned that Chrysaos was also born alongside the Pegasus with a golden sword at arms (Wilk
22).
In modern time, Medusa is now appreciated for her beauty as well as her dynamic power, as demonstrated in the fashion world. Medusa is the official logo for Versace an Italian fashion company. In the logo, however, they do not give her snakes for hair and instead show her when she still had her golden locks. Gianni Versace who is the owner of Versace chose the logo on the enticing beauty of the mortal. They portray her as a being of power, strength and beauty. It is also encompasses “Versace’s taste for tradition and classical nuance along with his desire to astonish his audience, with designs that are striking in their brilliance, originality and style.” (“Medusa’s Head Logo”). The image shows Medusa in the center encircled by Greek Keys that form a wonder maze. She has proportional features, filled lips, and curved eyes. The logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world, and can be seen on Versace’s sunglasses, Pendants, Writing utensils, and timepieces as well (“Medusa’s Head Logo”).
In conclusion, the terrifying humanoid snake beast with the ability to turn a person into stone just by looking at them, is the infamous woman named Medusa who was misunderstood. In the beginning she was just an ordinary priestess who loved Athena, but was misunderstood for an atrocious act that was committed against her; making her look like the bad guy. Medusa was once a mortal and lived in Athena’s palace, she lived and served for Athena. But, after Poseidon raped Medusa in Athena’s palace, Athena punished Medusa as the troublemaker. The goddess was upset Medusa let this happen in her palace, for her punishment Athena transformed her into the iconic image of a snake- like humanoid. She also acquired the power to turn anyone into stone after they looked into her eyes. After she became an outcast from her home, the Gorgon sisters whose names were Stheno and Euryale took her in and they became the three Gorgon sisters. Many times where they inscribed into historic monuments that detailed their appearance. Yet, they did not capture Medusa’s life as it was. Medusa lived a brutal and cold life after her transformation, her death only added to her misery. She was killed by Perseus, a noble boy who was ordered by King Polydectes to kill Medusa. This was only a trick so the King would be able to have Perseus mother to himself, he hoped Perseus would die trying to kill Medusa. However, after he set out the King did not predict for the gods to help aid Perseus. Athena was one of the gods who helped Perseus out, she gave him a mirror- like shield that allowed him to see Medusa without being turned into stone. After Perseus managed to defeat Medusa by beheading her, he set out once more to save his mother. Perseus still had Medusa's head in hand, which surprisingly, still was able to use her power. This helped Perseus on his quest, after saving his mother and returning home; he gave the head to Athena who ironically, never forgets the head when she’s entering battle. Ovid and Hesiod both wrote about Medusa but, one wrote more about her life while the other wrote about her death. However, each story is worth mentioning to get the big picture on who Medusa really was. Over the years she became an image that struck fear into anyone that saw her. Greeks and Romans would have Medusa inscribed onto their shields for battle. However, now in Modern times she has become an icon of power and beauty a symbol many people would not have agreed on in the old days. Medusa may not have gotten her happy ending, but she brought so much more into the world just by existing. Because Medusa’s story has been manipulated and misunderstood. It’s one of the main reasons why she represents power and injustice, many of which still exist in the world we know today.
By having the appearance of gruesome scaly skin with pure piercing green eyes, and the uncanny appearance of snake. This terrifying beast with collective serpent skin tied around her waist like a belt, is the one and only Medusa, as her Mythology name suggests. Medusa is most notably known for her distinctive snakes for hair. Not only did she have snakes for hair that already appalled all of mankind, she also has the capacity to turn anyone who looks into her eyes into stone. It is said, that because Medusa has such a grotesque appearance, anyone who looks into her eyes is petrified in fright, literally (Wilk, Stephen 5-6). However, as scary as Medusa may sound like, she has been the victim of having her story tainted and twisted to make it seem as if she were the bad guy; in reality Medusa was a victim of betrayal and rape, in other words she was misunderstood.
Medusa was originally “normal” looking but after offending Athena without even meaning to, her whole life fell …show more content…
before her. Long ago, there lived a beautiful woman who served in Athena’s palace as a priestess, Athena was a beautiful greek goddess of wisdom and war; she was a barbaric soul who let nothing, not even her sex and gender get in the way (Hall 3). The priestess was fond of Athena, that is why she served her. glorious flawless skin and silky gold hair and perfect anatomy, made all the women jealous and the men lustful (Carroll). One day while she was cleaning up the palace Poseidon abruptly disturbed her. Poseidon is the God of the Sea, He is an intensely powerful and violent god. Even though Poseidon was already the husband of Amphitrite who was Queen of the Sea and had children ("Poseidon"), he was not loyal and raped the priestess. Athena was enraged, and not for the reason countless of people would think. Athena was outraged for the fact that the woman was raped in her sacred palace and blamed Medusa for the atrocious act. Although, it was not even Medusa’s fault Athena was outraged Medusa had let this happen, and began to disfigure Medusa’s delicate build and gave her snakes in place of hair (Carroll). According to Ḏḥwty who is a student working toward a BA degree in archeology has described the changing of the hair to snakes, could symbolize “evil.” Similar to the Adam and Eve story, where Eve was tricked by a serpent to commit a sin, leading them to become outcasts. Similar to Medusa also becoming an outcast. The Gorgon sisters, however, took her in and together they became the three Gorgon sister’s. Their names were Stheno, Euryale and the utmost infamous of the Gorgon sisters is Medusa (“Gorgon”).
Medusa gained a reputation for her appearance after she was outcasted, but, it wouldn’t be long until someone would also gain a reputation of killing her. Perseus who was the son of Zeus and Danae, was thrown into the sea by his grandfather. An oracle had said to the grandfather that Pursues was going to be the one to kill him and take his throne. Perseus and his mother Danae were thrown into the sea where they washed up on a beach where King Polydectes found them. King Polydectes had then begun to fancy Perseus mother, Danae. The King however, was embarrassed to show any affection toward his mother Danae while Perseus was there. So the King requested him to go and Slay the monster Medusa. He believed that Perseus would fail and would have Danae all to himself (Wilk 19-20). But, the gods intervened and helped Perseus. Hermes gave him a curved sword, Athena a mirror-like shield, and Hades gave him a helmet that would turn him invisible. Perseus went to Medusa’s cave and succeeded in killing Medusa. The shield Athena had given him served it’s purpose in acting like a mirror, and allowed Perseus to see Medusa and without being turned to stone. He then used the helmet Hades gave him, and used it to sneak up on Medusa and cut her head off (Wilk 21-23).
Even after having her head cut off, Medusa did not stop there; she would forever curse the land she made her way by, although, she was now immobile. As Medusa's metallic liquid flowed endlessly from her wound onto the grainy plains of Libya, each drop transformed into venomous serpents as if marking their territory (Burton). Her powers were as well unharmed, even after her harrowing death she still pierced mankind with her black marble eyes. Perseus decides to take her head and use Medusa’s power to get back to his mother. On his way to go save his mother he encountered the Titan Atlas, Atlas had once raged war on Zeus and was forced to hold up Mount Olympus as punishment (Ḏḥwty). Perseus asked the Titan for a place to rest, but, Atlas refused. Perseus knew he wouldn’t be able to defeat Atlas with brute force so instead he used Medusa’s power and turned Atlas into a mountain (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”). Hence, the name “Mount Olympus.”
Perseus always find himself in trouble no matter where he goes, however, this time he will gain a new companion and return home. After resting on the mountain, Perseus continues his adventure; On his way to his mother he once again runs into another problem. He runs into a girl named Andromeda who is being sent to be sacrificed to the sea monster Cetus. She has been sent as punishment for her mother boasting about her beauty, even going into depth that Andromeda is even more gorgeous than Nereids. Nereids were sea nymphs who accompanied Poseidon all over the sea. Poseidon was angry because of this statement and decides to punish Andromeda for it. But, Perseus saves Andromeda and then uses Medusa’s head on Phineus,who was Andromeda’s uncle as well a person she was betrothed to (Wilk 23). After Perseus saves her, he marries Andromeda and they both head off to save his mother. In order to save his mother from King Polydectes, he turns the king into stone and escapes the island with his mother. Later, they manage to head back to their homeland and Perseus decides to give Medusa’s head to Athena, in thanks for assisting him on his quest; this can be described as a votive gift. After the gift, Athena always remembers to goes into battle with Medusa’s head on her aegis (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”), which can basically be interpreted as animal skin or a shield; In this case it was Medusa’s head that Athena wore on her shield.
Medusa’s story has always been very popular, in the old days she represented power and loss; that is why she became a symbol for power in the old days. Her power was to be able to petrify a person, this could be can represented as the dynamic force of the female gaze. Not only that, but it’s almost as if she is also avenging her own rape through her gaze. The person Medusa dedicated her life to, betrayed her for the crime Poseidon undertook. Medusa was not only a victim of rape but, also a victim of being betrayed by her ideal figure who she lived for (Burton). She is iconic for being in the temple of Artemis; In the temple there is an image of the three Gorgon sisters inscribed onto the architectural structures. This image is thought to have been created during 580 BCE. Not only where the images of the Gorgon sisters inscribed in structures, but they were also a popular shield design. The shield designs were made to strike fear into the opponent a person was facing. One of the most popular art design of Medusa is a statue that is located in the Pantheon made by Phidias (Garcia). The statue depicts Athena in her temple with the face of Medusa on her breastplate armour (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”). This can be seen as ironic, due to the fact that it was Athena who had placed the curse Medusa. Medusa has always been accommodated as a fearsome, beastly creature that tormented souls everywhere, however, there were people who respected and appreciated her. Medusa was just a misunderstood mortal. She was betrayed and later beheaded by Perseus. But, to the people who do know her brave tale such as the Greek and Romans, used Medusa as a figure to ward off evil. This could tie into the adventure of Perseus, and how he managed to survive and ward off evil with Medusa’s head alongside him. Greeks and Romans engraved the image of the post-priestess on just about anything, such as shields, breastplates, mosaics, and even coins. On the coins, people could either get the one with Perseus holding Medusa’s head in his hand, an image similar to a person wandering off the dark with a lantern by their side. Almost as if Medusa lit the way, another coin depicts Medusa’s head individually, which people could also acquire (“Legend of Medusa and the Gorgons.”).
There were many reasons as to why Medusa was misunderstood, one could be because she was written differently in different stories that did not give the whole picture.
One of the earliest mentions of the snake post-priestess is in the ancient text of Hesiod’s Theogony. In this book it depicts Medusa of her origin and her death. But, in Ovid’s Metamorphosis is is more informative about her adventures away from her body (Ḏḥwty). A popular quote from the book Metamorphosis portrays her in her youth. “Medusa once had charms; to gain her love A rival crowd of envious lovers strove. They, who have seen her, own, they ne'er did trace More moving features in a sweeter face. Yet above all, her length of hair, they own, In golden ringlets wav'd, and graceful shone.” (Ovid 1717). In Ovid’s version after she was beheaded out sprang a Pegasus, a winged horse. In Theogony it is also mentioned that Chrysaos was also born alongside the Pegasus with a golden sword at arms (Wilk
22).
In modern time, Medusa is now appreciated for her beauty as well as her dynamic power, as demonstrated in the fashion world. Medusa is the official logo for Versace an Italian fashion company. In the logo, however, they do not give her snakes for hair and instead show her when she still had her golden locks. Gianni Versace who is the owner of Versace chose the logo on the enticing beauty of the mortal. They portray her as a being of power, strength and beauty. It is also encompasses “Versace’s taste for tradition and classical nuance along with his desire to astonish his audience, with designs that are striking in their brilliance, originality and style.” (“Medusa’s Head Logo”). The image shows Medusa in the center encircled by Greek Keys that form a wonder maze. She has proportional features, filled lips, and curved eyes. The logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world, and can be seen on Versace’s sunglasses, Pendants, Writing utensils, and timepieces as well (“Medusa’s Head Logo”).
In conclusion, the terrifying humanoid snake beast with the ability to turn a person into stone just by looking at them, is the infamous woman named Medusa who was misunderstood. In the beginning she was just an ordinary priestess who loved Athena, but was misunderstood for an atrocious act that was committed against her; making her look like the bad guy. Medusa was once a mortal and lived in Athena’s palace, she lived and served for Athena. But, after Poseidon raped Medusa in Athena’s palace, Athena punished Medusa as the troublemaker. The goddess was upset Medusa let this happen in her palace, for her punishment Athena transformed her into the iconic image of a snake- like humanoid. She also acquired the power to turn anyone into stone after they looked into her eyes. After she became an outcast from her home, the Gorgon sisters whose names were Stheno and Euryale took her in and they became the three Gorgon sisters. Many times where they inscribed into historic monuments that detailed their appearance. Yet, they did not capture Medusa’s life as it was. Medusa lived a brutal and cold life after her transformation, her death only added to her misery. She was killed by Perseus, a noble boy who was ordered by King Polydectes to kill Medusa. This was only a trick so the King would be able to have Perseus mother to himself, he hoped Perseus would die trying to kill Medusa. However, after he set out the King did not predict for the gods to help aid Perseus. Athena was one of the gods who helped Perseus out, she gave him a mirror- like shield that allowed him to see Medusa without being turned into stone. After Perseus managed to defeat Medusa by beheading her, he set out once more to save his mother. Perseus still had Medusa's head in hand, which surprisingly, still was able to use her power. This helped Perseus on his quest, after saving his mother and returning home; he gave the head to Athena who ironically, never forgets the head when she’s entering battle. Ovid and Hesiod both wrote about Medusa but, one wrote more about her life while the other wrote about her death. However, each story is worth mentioning to get the big picture on who Medusa really was. Over the years she became an image that struck fear into anyone that saw her. Greeks and Romans would have Medusa inscribed onto their shields for battle. However, now in Modern times she has become an icon of power and beauty a symbol many people would not have agreed on in the old days. Medusa may not have gotten her happy ending, but she brought so much more into the world just by existing. Because Medusa’s story has been manipulated and misunderstood. It’s one of the main reasons why she represents power and injustice, many of which still exist in the world we know today.