Why is it called Medusa?

The Greek name of the Gorgon Medusa (Medousa) means “guardian,” from medeiun (“to protect, rule over”). Medusa is also the genus name for jellyfish, comparing their tentacles to the snakes in place of her hair, and their sometimes-deadly sting to her ability to turn those who saw her face to stone.

Why is Medusa called Medusa?

The name Gorgon comes from the ancient Greek word γοργός, meaning "grim," "fierce," and "terrible," and Medusa's name derives from the ancient Greek verb μέδω meaning "to guard" or "to protect," which is very fitting given the apotropaic quality of the face of the Gorgon, known as the Gorgoneion.

What did Medusa originally mean?

The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.

What is the real story of Medusa about?

Medusa was a beautiful woman who was raped, killed and beheaded by various gods. However even in the face of tragedy and disgrace, the Medusa was portrayed as meaningful. Following the moment her head was removed, a Pegasus flew out of her body, representing the birth of beauty.

What is the name meaning Medusa?

The name Medusa is girl's name meaning "protect, rule". In Greek myth, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, with live venomous snakes in place of hair and the ability to turn people to stone with just a glance.

The Story of Medusa - Betrayed Priestess of Greek Mythology

How did Medusa get pregnant?

Since Medusa was the only one of the three Gorgons who was mortal, Perseus was able to slay her while looking at the reflection from the mirrored shield he received from Athena. During that time, Medusa was pregnant by Poseidon.

What ethnicity is Medusa?

Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair consisting of snakes; unlike the Gorgons, she was sometimes represented as very beautiful.

What was Medusa before she was cursed?

As one of the Gorgon sisters, she was originally a golden-haired, fair maiden, beautiful and kind-natured. Medusa devoted herself to a life of celibacy in the name of her goddess, Athena. However, despite her origins of beauty, Medusa's name quickly became synonymous with malevolence, hatred, and monstrosity.

What happened to Medusa while she was human?

She was lovely, according to the poem—until she was raped in Athena's temple by Poseidon. Athena then punished her for this violation, by turning her into the monstrous, stony-glanced creature that we know.

What are 3 facts about Medusa?

What does Medusa tattoo symbolize?

In general, however, Medusa tattoos are a symbol of survival, often from sexual abuse, sexual assault or rape. For some, the significance of Medusa is simply meant to ward off evil and negativity in general.

Why is it important that Medusa is a female?

Nevertheless, during the 20th century and the first waves of feminism, women turned Medusa's story into the tale of a woman who suffered under the weight of a patriarchal society. Medusa was always sought out by men, first for her beauty and then for glory. She was a trophy for men to hold and show off.

Did Poseidon love Medusa?

Poseidon was enamored by Medusa's beauty, and Medusa returned the same feelings. Medusa and Poseidon engaged in a love affair and would have two children together, but not before Athena discovered the illicit affair.

Why did Athena punish Medusa instead of Poseidon?

Now, Athena was very much a Goddess in a God's club at this point. But Athena wouldn't – couldn't – blame her priestess Medusa for being raped by her God enemy Poseidon. So, Athena protected Medusa at all costs. Instead of punishing Medusa with a head of snakes that could turn men to stone, Athena protected her.

Who impregnated Medusa?

The Gorgon Medusa

Medusa was a temptress among the gods, and Poseidon had impregnated the mortal while in the temple of Athena.

Was Medusa a victim?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a beautiful woman who attracted the attention of Poseidon. She had taken an oath of chastity, but despite turning down his advances Poseidon raped her inside the Temple of Athena.

Was Medusa a real thing?

The short answer is no, medusa was not real. For someone who has been depicted as a monster with poisonous snakes for hair, having the ability to turn men into stone, it may seem evident that Medusa was not a real historical figure.

What did Medusa's body look like?

From then on, similarly to Euryale and Stheno, her older Gorgon sisters, Medusa was depicted with bronze hands and wings of gold. Poets claimed that she had a great boar-like tusk and tongue lolling between her fanged teeth. Writhing snakes were entwining her head in place of hair.

What color was Medusa?

Some Greek artists depicted Medusa as having a beautiful human face with green snakes for hair, while others represent Medusa as a hideous monster with a reptilian body. In many interpretations of Medusa, she has a link with the colour green. Many paintings of Medusa show her snakes as being bright green.

Can Medusa turn females to stone?

Yes. When Perseus decapitated her head, her head was still active, meaning that her head could be used as a weapon, and could still turn people (and other creatures) into stone. The Gorgon sisters were Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale. Their gaze could turn anyone who looked at them to stone, regardless of gender.

Is Athena jealous of Medusa?

In fact, Athena was jealous of Medusa's beauty and lustrous hair. Poseidon ravaged her and took what she held dearly, her purity. Athena, outraged by this incident, cursed Medusa and turned her wonderful hair into venomous snakes, her beautiful face turned so ugly that any man who gazed upon would turn to stone.

Who was Poseidon's true love?

From the love between Poseidon and Nerites was born Anteros, mutual love. Other male lovers included Pelops and Patroclus.

Why do girls get a Medusa Tattoo?

Why are people getting Medusa tattoos? The Medusa tattoo has become popular among women who have experienced sexual assault. By reclaiming the Medusa identity, they are dispelling the belief that being victimized means they ought to be cursed or punished.

Did Medusa turn men to stone?

The Medusa we know was raped by Poseidon in the goddess Athena's temple. Athena then punished her for desecrating her sacred space by cursing Medusa with a head full of snakes and a gaze that turns men to stone. Then, a heroic Perseus severed the serpent-headed Medusa, turning her into a trophy.

What is the moral of the story for Medusa?

The Moral of Medusa

This myth is actually a warning to mortals. Don't believe yourself to be equal to the gods.