Medusa

Study Notes

The Myth of Medusa

Medusa is a monstrous female feared by all, particularly men
Medusa's image is recognized around the world and is a powerful symbol in ancient Greek mythology
Medusa was originally a beautiful woman who served as a priestess for Athena, goddess of war, but was raped by Poseidon, god of the sea, in Athena's temple
As a result of Poseidon's actions, Athena punished Medusa by transforming her into a hideous beast
Medusa's transformation is mirrored in the physical changes of a human corpse, the decaying flesh and bulging eyes, inspiring the Gorgon, the physical embodiment of death
Athena cursed Medusa to turn people to stone with a single glance, isolating her from society and condemning her to a solitary existence
Medusa's petrifying power is coveted by warriors across the Greek world, who seek to claim her head to gain an advantage in battle
Perseus, son of Zeus, is born divine, and must overcome his grandfather’s wrath
King Acrisius wishes to prevent Perseus from fulfilling the prophecy that states that Perseus will kill him
Medusa is a powerful symbol that can represent both good and evil, often appearing on the armor of warriors to ward off danger, most notably, Alexander the Great
The myth of Medusa's story is told in specific places and represents a connection to the divine heroes that lived there, the myths connect the people to their history
The story of Perseus and his hunt to slay Medusa is a thrilling tale of heroism, overcoming obstacles, gaining strength, and defeating evil

Perseus & Medusa

Perseus was a young man without a father in ancient Greece, making him a social outcast
Perseus is tasked with bringing the head of Medusa to King Polydectes to avoid his mother's forced marriage
Perseus has no weapons and no experience fighting monsters, no one has survived an encounter with Medusa
If Perseus succeeds, he will become a hero and protect his mother from King Polydectes, if he fails, he will be turned to stone.
The myth of Perseus and Medusa originated in Mycenae, the greatest of the ancient city-states in the Bronze Age

Perseus's Quest

Perseus receives winged sandals from Hermes, the messenger of the gods, to help him travel quickly
Hermes tells Perseus to find the Stygian Nymphs for magical weapons to kill Medusa
Only the Graeae Sisters, three old hags who share one eye, know the location of the nymphs
Perseus steals the eye from the Graeae Sisters, forcing them to tell him the Nymphs' location, on the River Styx

Algol

The constellation Perseus in the night sky depicts a hero holding a curved sword and the head of a Gorgon
Algol, the second brightest star in the constellation Perseus, is a binary star that eclipses itself every three days
The eclipsing of Algol may have inspired the story of the Graeae Sisters, the stealing of the eye, and the turning of the stars to stone

Medusa's Ultimate Demise

Perseus uses a shield to guide him to Medusa and safely avoid her gaze
Perseus is armed with the sword of Zeus, the shield of Athena, and the helmet of Hades to fight Medusa
Perseus kills Medusa with one sword stroke, ending her torment and isolation
Medusa's head retains its powers even when removed and placed in a bag, turning those who gaze upon it to stone

Medusa's Legacy

In the myth, as Perseus flies away with Medusa's head, blood drops into the sand creating poisonous snakes
The royal wedding day has arrived on the island of Serifos, King Polydectes is set to marry Perseus's mother
Perseus uses Medusa's head to turn both King Polydectes and his grandfather, King Acrisius, to stone
Perseus rescues his mother and saves her from the forced marriage

The End of Perseus's Journey

Perseus has become a powerful hero after his journey, protecting his mother and proving himself worthy of respect
Perseus presents Medusa's head to Athena, the goddess who created the monster, inheriting her power
The ending of the myth is symbolic, Perseus and Medusa are forever linked in the night sky, above the Parthenon