The Story of Medusa- Greek Mythology
Full Title of the Paper
Author Names
In Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the most famous beings talked about to date. She was considered a monster woman known as a Gorgon. She was a part of the three Gorgon sisters, namely Ceto and Phorcys, who were daughters of the sea gods. Medusa was distinguished from the two sisters because she was mortal and was born with a gorgeous face. Medusa was desired and lusted for by many men; this was due to her undeniable good looks that she was blessed with. Her hair was the most significant asset that contributed to her beauty, and she loved it. Many men tried their luck on approaching Medusa, but they failed, she had chosen purity and to retain her virginity due to the respect she had for the goddess Athena.
Remaining pure and being a virgin was one of the requirements of being the priestess for Athena. Athena was the goddess of battle and wisdom. The turn of events started changing to the worse when Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle, started feeling jealous of Medusa since people had started comparing her to Medusa. Medusa also boasted a lot about her beauty, which led to the apparent jealousy shown by Athena. It was not long until Poseidon (The god of the sea) had his eyes set of Medusa. He tried approaching her, but Medusa rejected his advances since she wished to remain Athena’s priestesses, which required her to be a virgin.
Poseidon was infatuated with Medusa’s beauty, and since he was not in good terms with Athena, he considered Medusa a possession that he could take from Athena. He decided to do the impeccable by having his way with her without her consent, which was rape. Before the rape, Medusa ran to the temple to seek refuge and sympathy from Athena. Athena ignored her plea completely for help, and the worst happened to Athena. Medusa was now Poseidon’s wife since the gods claimed their mates as their partners forever. Due to what had occurred to Medusa, Athena cursed her and made the once pretty hair that Medusa had to be comprised of venomous snakes. Medusa was now a monster. Anyone that looked into her eyes instantly became a stone.
In a glance at her hideous face, many warriors who tried to cut Medusa’s head instantly turned into a stone. Many tried hunting her but failed. Perseus, the son of Zeus, was the only warrior that was able to cut off her head. He was able to achieve this with other gods’ help: he was given a shield by Athena, which was able to reflect the dangerous gaze of Medusa. He was also given a pair of winged sandals from Hermes, to help him fly up to Medusa. And, finally, a sword by Zeus his father that was sharp enough for the job. Medusa was pregnant with two children at the time of her death.
Sources:
The Story of Medusa ~ Greek Mythology, n.d. https://youtu.be/g3kA2JEK8bI
The Story Of Medusa – Greek Mythology Explained, n.d. https://youtu.be/Q9pr2Xxaagw?t=4.