Among the abominations of Greek mythology, it is Medusa, a monster from the underworld, whose hair were snakes and who looked at her eyes could be petrified in seconds. Her name means guardian and according to the literature of the 20th century, women used to say that Medusa was a symbol of feminine power, fury and wisdom, because in ancient times the snake was an animal that represented enlightenment and knowledge for many cultures. Join us to learn about the myth of this goddess.
According to the legend, one of the origins of Medusa was that she was the sister of two more gorgonians from the underworld, daughters of the sea god Forcis and the monstrous nymph Ceto. The goddess had her body covered by scales and her haggard face feared by all. Although originally it was said that Medusa and her sisters were horrendous devils, since the 5th century she was seen as a creature of great beauty who could look gloomy at the same time.
Another myth tells that, she was a very charming woman and had the best features and proportions in her body that many men could covet. One of those who was enchanted by his great beauty was Poseidon. The god wished that woman with eagerness, therefore, without the maiden’s will and in the temple of Athena, he had the audacity and got her pregnant. When the goddess Athena knew, devastated, decided to punish the innocent woman, turning her into the monster everybody knows.
Due to the power acquired by Medusa, she aroused terror and panic in the world, therefore, the half-god son of Zeus “Perseus” took courage and announced that he would finish with the monster goddess. However, it was not a simple task, the half-god went to the great gods to help him somehow, they, in accordance with him, gave him gifts that would help him in his encounter so that he would have the victory.
Athena, anxious, was the first to give her gift, a strong shield that in turn had a large mirror, Zeus gave him a sharp sword, Hermes, the messenger god, granted him his sandals with wings and Hades, the god of the underworld, gave him his helmet of invisibility. With all the gifts, Perseus made his way to the maid. He found her happily playing to convert anyone who came across her path into stone. When she felt tired she decided to take a rest, that’s when the half-god began his move.
Using Athena’s shield he covered his face allowing him only to see little of Medusa, wearing the helmet that made him invisible he took off from the ground thanks to the sandals and in a quick movement he cut off her head with his father’s sword. Immediately from the blood of the goddess a beautiful winged steed was born, Perseus placed the head of the woman in a sack, since, although dead she could continue to turn people into stone. Perseus left the place flying on Pegasus.
Myths and legends enrich with their stories the history and culture of a civilization, and without a doubt the myth of Medusa is one of the most impressive, since whatever her origin was, she was a heartless monster who played with others’ life.
ALFA