Medusa is widely known as a monstrous creature with snakes in her hair whose gaze turns men to stone. Through the lens of theology, film, art, and feminist literature, my students and I map how her meaning has shifted over time and across cultures.

Medusa – whose name probably comes from the Ancient Greek word for “guardian” – was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, and sisters of the Graeae, Echidna, and Ladon.

7 hours ago · Medusa’s snakes are arguably one of the most potent and enduring images in all of mythology. They represent a complex tapestry of power, fear, transformation, and feminine rage. While often interpreted as symbols of evil or monstrousness, a deeper look reveals that the snakes embody a multitude of meanings shaped by historical context ...

Apr 12, 2019 · Medusa did not come into existence as a woman with a head of snakes. According to Greek myths, she was a very beautiful young woman who had many suitors. She was however raped by the sea god Poseidon in Athena’s temple.

Feb 7, 2025 · 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.

Jan 21, 2021 · When Athena discovered the sea god had ravaged Medusa in her shrine she sought vengeance by transforming Medusa’s hair into snakes, so that anyone who gazed at her directly would be turned into stone. Stone carved panel of the head of Medusa. (Shelli Jensen / …

Medusa is a character from Greek mythology known for her snake-covered head. Originally, she’s said to be the daughter of two sea gods, Phorcys and Ceto, and one of three sisters, all of whom are Gorgons.

Aug 29, 2023 · Consumed by anger and jealousy, goddess Athena cursed medusa turning into a monstrous creature with venomous snakes for hair and the power to petrify any mortal who dared to look into her eyes. Thus, Medusa became a terrifying …

Jul 19, 2023 · Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology, is widely recognized for her serpent hair and the ability to turn people to stone with her gaze. As one of the three Gorgon sisters, she occupies a significant place in ancient mythology.

Aug 20, 2019 · In modern culture, Medusa is seen as a powerful symbol of female intelligence and wisdom, related to the goddess Metis, who was a wife of Zeus. The snake-like head is a symbol of her cunning, a perversion of the matrifocal …