Irlandos at 15:41, December 29, 2005

2005-12-29T15:41:41Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Medusa'''
('''Greek:''' Μέδουσα),
was a monstrous female character whose gaze could turn people to stone.

Some classical references describe her as one of three [[Gorgon]] sisters. Medusa, [[Stheno]], and [[Euryale]] were monsters with brass hands, sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous serpents. The Gorgons and their other sisters the [[Graeae]] (and possibly the [[Hesperides]]) were daughters of [[Phorcys]] and [[Ceto]].

In the most well known version of the myth, Medusa originally started out as a beautiful human. She was raped by [[Poseidon]] in [[Athena]]'s temple. Poseidon was an arch-rival of Athena's since at one time he vied for patronage of [[Athens]]; the soon-to-become Athenians chose Athena's offering of the olive tree over Poseidon's offering of horses or a spring of water.

Upon discovery of the desecration of her temple, Athena changed Medusa's form to match that of her sister Gorgons as punishment. Medusa's hair turned into snakes and her glance would turn all living creatures to stone. She was banished beyond the [[Hyperborea]]n lands.

While Medusa was pregnant by Poseidon, she was beheaded by the hero [[Perseus]] with help from Athena and [[Hermes]]. From her neck came her offspring: [[Pegasus]] and [[Chrysaor]]. Perseus used Medusa's head to rescue [[Andromeda]], kill [[Polydectes]], and, in some versions, petrify the Titan [[Atlas]]. Then he gave it to Athena, who placed it on her shield [[Aegis]].

[[Category:Greek mythology]]

Medusa - Revision history

Irlandos at 15:41, December 29, 2005