Who was the real Medusa?

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, she was one of three Gorgon sisters born to Keto and Phorkys, primordial sea gods; Medusa was mortal, while the others, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal. The best known myth recounts her fateful encounter with the Greek hero Perseus.

What is the story behind Medusa?

Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon, Athena punished her. She turned Medusa into a hideous hag, making her hair into writhing snakes and her skin was turned a greenish hue.

Who is Medusa to Poseidon?

Medusa was a priestess to the goddess Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom and battle. One requirement to be a priestess for Athena is that the young women should be a virgin and give their life to the goddess. One day, Poseidon (or Neptune), the God of the Sea and rival to Athena, saw Medusa and was mesmerized.

Who was Medusa in love with?

Poseidon
Medusa and Poseidon engaged in a love affair and would have two children together, but not before Athena discovered the illicit affair. When Athena discovered the affair, she was enraged and immediately cursed Medusa by taking away her beauty.

How is Medusa in Greek mythology turned into a monster?

Chief of the Gorgons, Medusa was the serpent-headed monster of Greek mythology whose hideous appearance turned men into stone. Originally a fair maiden, she was violated by Poseidon in a temple of the goddess Athena, and Athena then punished her by transforming her into an ugly monster with snakes for hair.

Is Medusa a Greek god?

Interesting Facts About Medusa Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys’ wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. Greek poet Hesiod wrote that Medusa lived close to the Hesperides in the Western Ocean near Sarpedon. Medusa’s sisters were immortal but she was mortal. Medusa wandered Africa for some time.

Who were Medusa’s sisters?

Medusa was a Gorgon with two immortal sisters. Her two sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were the original hideous women with snake hairs, brass hands, scales, and beards.

What is Medusa in Greek mythology?

Medusa by Arnold Bocklin. In Greek mythology, Medusa (Greek: Μέδουσα), meaning “guardian”, “protectress” was a Gorgon , a chthonic female monster, and a daughter of Phorcys and Ceto .