One of the
Gorgons, the only mortal
one. She had a ghastly face that turned anyone who looked at it to stone,
a dragon body and snakes for hair. Her parent's were Phorcys and Ceto, and
she lived by the western ocean with her immortal sisters Stheno and Euryale.
She was killed by Perseus,
and from her blood and Poseidon's
semen the horse Pegasus
was born.
The head of the Gorgon was often used in Art. It was pictured on the aegis
of Athena, since Perseus
had offered it to the goddess after his feat, and people would have it as
door knockers to protect the house from evil and it was also painted or sculptured
inside cups.
According to another story Medusa was originally a lovely maid who was the
daughter of Echidne, who was half woman, half snake, and Typhon, the worst
monster in the world. Poseidon fell in love with her, and seduced her in the
temple of Athena. Because this was sacrilege, the goddess Athena wanted revenge.
She could not punish Poseidon since he was a greater god, so all the blame
fell on Medusa, who turned into a monster.