The Myth Of Medusa And Perseus

For some people, the myth of Medusa and Perseus is a metaphor for horror and how it is actually possible to save oneself from it through art. For others, on the other hand, it represents a feminist myth in which an abused woman becomes monstrous. This image frightens without a doubt and captivates everyone who stands in front of it.

There are several variations of the myth of Medusa and Perseus. The most classic, however, tells that both had a tragic background. Medusa was one of the three gorgons, all daughters of Forkys and Keto. Out of the three, Medusa was the most beautiful and also the only mortal. Her beauty aroused admiration among gods and men.

Some say she captivated Poseidon so intensely that he raped her on the marble of Athena’s temple. Athena, however, did not tolerate such a desecration and as a consequence she decided to make Medusa a terrible monster, just like her sisters. She gave her metal hands and sharp fangs. Suddenly, Medusa’s beautiful hair turned into snakes.

In addition, she gave her eyes, from which a terrible light came out. Since then  , everyone who looked at her face would turn to stone. As the last one, she showed her off to the world of the living. Medusa was pregnant. From that moment on, she became one of the most feared monsters.

Perseus’ origin

The myth of Medusa and Perseus says that from an oracle, the king of Argos found out that his daughter’s son would kill him. To prevent this prophecy from becoming true, he locked his daughter, Danae, inside an airtight bronze chamber, which he laid underground.

Zeus, however, was in love with her. He fertilized her by turning into liquid gold, which penetrated the chamber.

Later Perseus was born. His cry warned his grandfather of what had happened. The king then decided to lock Danae and Perseus inside a wooden chest and throw it into the sea. The two were rescued on an island. Perseus grew up to be a handsome young man who wanted to stay with his mother. Perseus then promised to kill Medusa as a way to avoid it.

Athena, who felt an old disgust towards Medusa, offered to help him and so did Hermes. They instructed him to go to Graeae. These were three prophetic elders, relatives of Medusa, who had only one eye and one tooth.

In a moment when they were not paying attention, Perseus took their eye and tooth. In exchange for giving it back, they had to point him in the direction of the nymphs.

Perseus’ forces

The myth of Medusa and Perseus tells that when the brave young man came to the nymphs, they gave him sandals with wings so he could fly through the air. They also gave him Hades’ helmet, which was made of dog skin. The person who was it would become invisible. Eventually, they gave him a saddlebag. Hermes gave him a sharp seal and a shining shield.

Perseus was fully armed and ready to go out and look for the Gorgons. On his way he found many statues of stone. Interestingly, the bodies of those who had visited the site and looked at Medusa’s face. He knew he had to be careful, so he decided to wait for the right moment.

As the gorgons fell asleep, Perseus put his shining shield in a strategic position so that Medusa’s face would be reflected in it. That way he could avoid looking at her face.

When she appeared, he grabbed his seal and cut off her head with a single cut. The horse, Pegasus, and the giant, Chrysaor, came out of her body. They were the kids she was expecting.

The myth of Medusa and Perseus, a beautiful story

The myth of Medusa and Perseus says that since then, the young hero used Medusa’s head to fight his enemies. Surprisingly, and in spite of everything, her head did not lose its strength at all.

He put it in his saddlebag, which he had with him, and thanks to it he was able to fight monsters and enemies. He only took Medusa’s head out to stone those who saw him.

It is said that the myth of Medusa and Perseus is related to art in a symbolic way. Perseus’ shield in particular represents a way of dealing with terrible things in an indirect way,  which is basically what art does: it reflects. It allows us to look horror in the eyes, and at the same time it also keeps the horror from paralyzing us.

Likewise, Medusa’s head became the primary weapon of Perseus. This can also be seen in a symbolic way. It is with art that we manage to deal with these demons and inner enemies that we have inside. Medusa’s head would be the work, the result, and the product of creation.