Please note that this article briefly mentions sexual assault.

Medusa is a figure in Greek Mythology that has captivated the hearts and minds of many people around the world. A Gorgon with snakes for hair, she has been described as a hideous creature doomed to never see the face of mortals. Her ancient story has grown and taken on new meaning for some people, turning from a story of divine punishment into one of feminine empowerment. In this post, we will explore Medusa’s origins, her mythology, and different stories associated with her in modern times.

Who Is Medusa?

Medusa, also known as Gorgo or the Gorgon, is one of three Gorgons in Greek mythology. The other two are her sisters Euryale and Stheno, and together the three are the daughters of Phorkys and Keto, the primordial God and Goddess of the sea. Though her sisters were immortal, Medusa was not, which ultimately led to her death at the hands of the Greek hero Perseus.

There are different descriptions of Medusa throughout Greek writing, each one ranging in description from horror to absolute beauty. She was originally imagined as having the monstrous form of a hideous woman with snakes for hair. It is noted that sculptors and vase painters of the fifth century BCE began to view her as a beautiful yet terrifying woman. This could be due to changing views of feminine characters in stories or a different telling of her story. However, it is always known that those who look upon Medusa’s face would not survive. Instead, they would be turned to stone.

Pindar, an ancient Greek poet from Thebes, wrote an ode in 490 BCE that spoke of Medusa, describing her as “beautiful”.

Yes, he brought darkness on the monstrous race of Phorcus, and he repaid Polydectes with a deadly wedding-present for the long slavery of his mother and her forced bridal bed; he stripped off the head of beautiful Medusa, Perseus, the son of Danae, who they say was conceived in a spontaneous shower of gold.

— Pythian 12: For Midas of Acragas Flute-Playing Contest 490 BCE

A Gorgon Born Or Cursed Woman?

Two conflicting myths discuss the origins of Medusa and how she became a snake-haired creature. These two myths are the myth of her birth from Greek mythology and a Roman myth involving Minerva. From a historical context, the myth of her birth came first in Hesiod’s Theogony. The Roman myth involving Minerva shows up in the Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses from the year 8 CE, hundreds of years after Pindar wrote his ode that was mentioned above.

The Birth of Medusa

Looking at the mythology of Medusa’s birth is still complex because her lineage is not always agreed upon. Hesiod’s Theogony says she was born to Phorkys and Keto, brother and sister primordial gods of the sea. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound says she was born only of Phorkys. Lastly, Hyginus’ Fabulae says she was born of Gorgo and Keto.

And again, Ceto bare to Phorcys the fair-cheeked Graiae, sisters grey from their birth: and both deathless gods and men who walk on earth call them Graiae, Pemphredo well-clad, and saffron-robed Enyo, and the Gorgons who dwell beyond glorious Ocean in the frontier land towards Night…

— Theogony; Hesiod

It is likely safe to assume that at least Phorkys had something to do with Medusa’s birth, especially since we can’t confirm whether the other myths are also true. In this myth, Medusa is born a Gorgon, one of three sisters. Her sisters were immortal while Medusa was not, but Medusa was the only one who could turn mortals to stone. This story gives Medusa her powers right away, not relying on the violence of a God to spark her change as in the Roman myth told by Ovid.

Medusa’s Creation

Another story of Medusa’s mythology comes from Roman mythology and a story involving Neptune. This story has made its way into modern times with a Greek equivalent and it is likely the basis for Medusa’s modern connection with feminism.

Next one of the many princes asked why Medusa, alone among her sisters, had snakes twining in her hair. The guest replied ‘Since what you ask is worth the telling, hear the answer to your question. She was once most beautiful, and the jealous aspiration of many suitors. Of all her beauties none was more admired than her hair: I came across a man who recalled having seen her. They say that Neptune, lord of the seas, violated her in the temple of Minerva. Jupiter’s daughter turned away, and hid her chaste eyes behind her aegis. So that it might not go unpunished, she changed the Gorgon’s hair to foul snakes. And now, to terrify her enemies, numbing them with fear, the goddess wears the snakes, that she created, as a breastplate.

— Metamorphoses; Bk IV:753-803 Perseus tells the story of Medusa

When looking at this myth, it is important to recognize that the author, Ovid, seemed to make many of his feminine characters experience sexual assault. This myth also comes at least a thousand years later than the story in Hesiod. This myth tells us that Medusa was originally a beautiful woman but incurred the wrath of Minerva when she slept with Neptune in Minerva’s temple. Because of this, Minerva punished Medusa by turning her into a gorgon. Modern interpretations have seen both the victim-blaming story of Minerva and a more feminist interpretation of Medusa reclaiming her power.

Medusa’s Death and Offspring

Medusa’s downfall was brought about by the Greek hero Perseus. In this story, Perseus was sent to fetch Medusa’s head by King Polydectes of Seriphus because the King wanted to marry Perseus’s mother. To save her, Perseus accepted the challenge from King Polydectes to slay Medusa. The Gods were aware of the challenge and wanted to help him. So, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, and Hades came to his aid.

Athena lent him a mirrored shield so that he could look at Medusa indirectly. Hermes lent him sandals with golden wings so that he could fly and move easily. Hephaestus lent him a sword so that he could easily slay Medusa. Finally, Hades lent him his helm of invisibility so that he would not be detected. All of these items ultimately led to Perseus being successful in beheading Medusa.

With them, he was able to sneak up on Medusa while she slept, striking her with the sword and beheading her. Two creatures were born from the blood of Medusa: the winged horse Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor. Depending on the myth you read, the father is either Poseidon or Neptune. In the Greek myth written by Hesiod, Poseidon is the father because Medusa lay with “the dark-haired one in a soft meadow amid spring flowers“. In the Roman myth, the father would be Neptune as he was the one who “violated” Medusa.

Medusa as a Modern Symbol

The image of the Gorgon was used in ancient Greece as a protective symbol. It was found in sculptures, on buildings, and even on the breastplate of Athena before the slaying of Medusa. Modern retellings of Medusa’s story have been interpreted differently. Though these stories have depth and meaning, it is important to remember that they are modern and may not connect back to the original myths in Greek history.

The modern retellings of Medusa’s story see her as a victim, a woman who was assaulted by those in power. It should come as no surprise that many people around the world have come to resonate with her stories and symbology.

Social Justice

In the quote above from Metamorphoses, Ovid uses the word “violated” when speaking of Neptune’s interaction with Medusa. It is unclear from a mythological perspective if this violation is consensual or not, but the modern #MeToo movement saw Medusa’s story as one of female rage, empowerment, and protection. Some people who interpret Medusa’s story believe that the violation was not consensual and that Minerva, being wrathful and above her, punished Medusa for being assaulted.

In more recent years, others have put forth a different interpretation of Medusa’s story that paints her as a woman given immense power so she would never be harmed again. In this interpretation, Minerva could not punish Neptune for what he did, so Minerva made sure that anyone who tried to hurt Medusa again would pay the price.

The idea that Medusa embodies feminine rage comes from both the violence against her as well as how she was killed. Perseus himself says that the Gods helped him slay Medusa, giving him items that would make killing her easier. The ease with which he killed Medusa is clear when he tells the story of her death in Metamorphoses.

And while a deep sleep held the snakes and herself, he struck her head from her neck. And the swift-winged horse Pegasus and his brother the warrior Chrysaor, were born from their mother’s blood.

Medusa was fast asleep when she was killed and had no chance of fighting back against her attacker. Many women feel empowered by the idea of Medusa being a scorned woman taking back her power and protecting herself from those who would do her harm. It has been said to give those who have suffered a way to fight back.

Medusa Tattoos

A trend emerged on the popular social media app TikTok of survivors of sexual assault getting tattoos of Medusa. In this, they found power and inspiration from a 2010 movie called Clash of the Titans which portrayed Medusa as a victim of the wrathful Greek Gods. She was assaulted by Poseidon and punished by Athena, turned into a gorgon, a “beast”, to make sure that no one would ever want to look at Medusa again.

“Just another beast to kill – Beast? Medusa was beautiful once, so beautiful as to tempt Poseidon. When he came for her she ran to Athena’s temple thinking that the goddess would protect her. She didn’t. Poseidon took her on the cold floor. She prayed to Athena for comfort but the goddess felt nothing but disgust. She made sure no one would ever want Medusa again. One look at the creature she has become would turn any living thing to stone.”

The hashtag on TikTok (#MedusaTattoo) has over 50,000 posts with some videos having millions of views. In this hashtag, you will find tattoo inspiration and women telling the stories behind their tattoos. Ovid’s story in Metamorphoses sparked a worldwide movement of women taking their power back after suffering from violence.

Working With Medusa

There is no historical basis for the worship of Medusa, but modern pagans and polytheists can honor her. Medusa commonly embodies the concepts of transformation, power, rage, and anger. If you choose, you can create an altar for her and give her offerings. Since there is no historical basis for her worship, you will need to use your intuition when working with her to determine what to give or say. You can also call upon the energy of Medusa as protection as was done in ancient Greece. However you choose to work with her, your intuition will be your best guide.

Medusa is a powerful figure in Greek mythology no matter which part of the myth you believe. Whether she is a Gorgon worth defeating or a woman trying to take back her power, her story can be inspiring and empowering.