In Greek myth, she is the only mortal one, in three Gorgon sisters. She is
celebrated for her personal charms and beautiful locks. Neptune fall in love
with her, and obtained her favors in the temple of Minerva.This violation of
the sanctity of the temple provoked Minerva, and she cursed Medusa and her
sisters. According to Apollodorus, they
came into the world with snakes on their heads, instead of hair, with yellow
wings and brazen hands. Their bodies were also covered with impenetrable
scales, and their very looks had the power of killing or turning to stones.
From Lempriére’s
Classical Dictionary of Proper names mentioned in Ancient Authors Writ Large.
Ed. J. Lempriére and F.A. Wright. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
According to Camille Dumoulie, Medusa is characterized by paradox; both in
terms of the actual mythical stare, which turned men to stone, and in the
interpretations that have been given to it. The fascination that she exerts
arises from a combination of beauty and horror.
Her head was used, in Ancient times, as an apotropaic mask-a sort of
talisman which both killed and redeemed.
+copy.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
