Medusa Myth

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.

Medusa by Caravaggio (1573-1610).
The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy.
Online Source: http://sunsite.dk/cgfa/caravagg/p-caravag2.htm