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 type of snake is Medusa?

If, however, we also take into account that vipers are the only endemic species of venomous snakes in Greece, I think it would be safe to say that the Gorgons' hair were made of vipers. Medusa lived on a island called Sarpedon.

How did Medusa become a snake?

Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. ... When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon, Athena punished her. She turned Medusa into a hideous hag, making her hair into writhing snakes and her skin was turned a greenish hue.

What creature is Medusa born?

Chrysaor and Pegasus were either born from the drops of Medusa's blood that fell in the sea, or sprang from Medusa's neck as Perseus beheaded her, a "higher" birth (such as the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus).

Why is Medusa's snake?

In later myths (mainly in Ovid) Medusa was the only Gorgon to possess snake locks, because they were a punishment from Athena. Accordingly, Ovid relates that the once beautiful mortal was punished by Athena with a hideous appearance and loathsome snakes for hair for having been raped in Athena's temple by Poseidon.

The Story Of Medusa - Greek Mythology Explained

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Why did Medusa get cursed?

Medusa prayed to Athena for guidance and forgiveness. After all, in those days, the gods claimed their mates as their partner forever, and Medusa was now Poseidon's wife. Athena looked down in anger and cursed Medusa for betraying her. Medusa was sent to a faraway island and was cursed so that no man would want her.

Is Medusa evil or good?

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.

Is Medusa the snake still alive?

But there is nothing normal about Medusa. ... However, unlike Medusa, the unnamed animal was never kept alive in captivity. Medusa is currently housed at “The Edge of Hell Haunted House” in Kansas City.

Who was Medusa in love with?

Medusa and Poseidon engaged in a love affair and would have two children together, but not before Athena discovered the illicit affair. When Athena discovered the affair, she was enraged and immediately cursed Medusa by taking away her beauty.

What did Medusa do wrong?

Medusa. 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.

Who was the ugliest god?

Facts about Hephaestus

Hephaestus was the only ugly god among perfectly beautiful immortals. Hephaestus was born deformed and was cast out of heaven by one or both of his parents when they noticed that he was imperfect. He was the workman of the immortals: he made their dwellings, furnishings, and weapons.

Is Medusa a victim or villain?

Medusa was raped by Poseidon, but instead of being defended by her patron goddess, Athena, she was punished for being raped. This makes Medusa a victim.

Is Medusa a goddess or monster?

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 cursed?

In a late version of the Medusa myth, by the Roman poet Ovid (Metamorphoses 4.794–803), Medusa was originally a beautiful maiden, but when Neptune/Poseidon had sex with her in Minerva/Athena's temple, Minerva punished Medusa by transforming her beautiful hair into horrible snakes.

What does Medusa tattoo symbolize?

If you want a unique and beautiful tattoo that is rich in symbolism, you may be drawn to the idea of a Medusa design. ... From Ancient Greek mythology, the story can be interpreted in many ways; to some, Medusa represents female power, freedom, and transformation, but she has evil and jealous qualities to others.

Whats the biggest snake ever found?

Green anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world. The heaviest anaconda ever recorded was 227 kilograms. This massive snake was 8.43 metres long, with a girth of 1.11 metres. While the reticulated python is longer, it's also slender.

Whats the largest snake ever found?

Currently, the Guinness World Record-holder is Medusa, a reticulated python who resides in Kansas City, Mo. When she was measured in 2011, she was 25 feet 2 inches long, roughly a little longer than a mid-sized car. According to Guinness World Records, 10 men were required to hold her for measurement.

What's so special about Medusa?

Medusa is an ancient Greek mythological character known for her ability to turn one into stone if they looked at her (even by accident), and for her head of snakes (instead of hair) and winged human female form.

Why is Medusa so strong?

Athena's curse was not a punishment for Medusa, but a punishment for the gods and men who intended to harm her. After all, Athena gave Medusa the ultimate power against men: the power to both punish and avoid the male gaze regardless of the rank or status of the man daring to look at her.

Did Medusa have a lover?

Medusa's story was used as an allegory when I was younger. ... As I got older, the story of how Medusa went from being a woman to a beast became more venereal, Medusa's beauty charmed the god Poseidon, and they had an affair in Athena's temple which greatly angered the virgin goddess.

What is Medusa a symbol of?

Some popular theories include Medusa as a symbol of the powerlessness of women, evil, strength and a fighting spirit. She is also seen as a protective symbol due to her ability to destroy those against her. 7- What are Medusa's symbols? Medusa's symbols are her head of snakes and her deathly stare.