Medusa (mythology) - Definition and Overview

Medusa by Arnold Böcklin

In Greek mythology, Medusa ("cunning queen"), was the only mortal of the three Gorgon sisters.

The gorgons were vicious female monsters with brass hands, sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous serpents. Medusa's cheeks puffed out, and her tongue lolled between her fangs. She was literally petrifying to look upon: every creature who saw her was turned to a stone of the earth.

She was said to be a daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, a mortal woman whom Athena changed into a Gorgon as punishment for desecrating her temple by sleeping with Poseidon there. When Athena came upon Medusa and Poseidon (also an arch-rival of Athena's since he vied for dominance over Athens, Athena offering the olive tree, Poseidon, the horse), she turned Medusa's beautiful hair into snakey tendrils and banished her to the far ends of the earth beyond the Hyperborean lands where she remained with her sisters.

Medusa was killed by Perseus with aid from Athena and Hermes. After Perseus used Medusa's head to kill Phineas, he gave it to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the aegis.

From Medusa's blood sprang two children by Poseidon: Pegasus and Chrysaor.