Medusa and the Gorgons

Day 2 - Today for Myths and Monsters March is another Greek staple - The Gorgons and their most well known member, Medusa!

One thing you’ll soon learn when looking at Greek mythology is that there’s never just one account or description of a story or character. Everyone does agree though that the Gorgons has the ability turn people to stone with their gaze like the unfortunate fellow on the left.

Next to him is a depiction of the Gorgons described as scaly-skinned, clawed and with boar-like tusks. Medusa is often described though as a beautiful woman who is cursed by Athena (who really seems to enjoy cursing beautiful women). Snakes for hair possibly originates from this version as Athena was jealous of Medusa’s luscious golden locks.

On the right we have a another modern take where Medusa also has a snake-like body. Clash of the Titans features this Medusa as well as Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (btw, there’s probably going to be a lot of mentions of HoMM3, it’s one of my favourite games and one of my biggest influences as a kid).