Medusa

     Medusa was one of three sisters who took the form of the monstrous Gorgon. A Gorgon was a winged woman with snakes instead of locks of hair sometimes depicted with the lower body of a reptile or serpent. According to stories, Medusa was once a beautiful woman but was transformed into a beast by because she was found in the Goddess’ temple making love with Poseidon. Unlike her other two sisters, Medusa was mortal and eventually decapitated by the hero Perseus. Once slain, a winged horse, Pegasus and a golden giant, Chrysoar emerged from the neck of Medusa. The word “Medusa” means, “ruling female wisdom” although her character does not personify this description. 

Renaissance fresco painting of Perseus slaying Medusa. Located at the Villa Farnesina

Bronze cast of Perseus after beheading of Medusa. Located in the Piazza della Signoria

Atsma, Aaron J. "MEDUSA & the GORGONS : Serpent-Haired Monsters." Theoi Project. N.p., 2000. Web. 18 Aug. 2013. <http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html>.

Brunner, Magister. "Medusa, The Mortal Gorgon." Mr. Brunner's Greek and Roman Mythology. Blogger, 15 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Aug. 2013. <http://mrbrunnersmythology.blogspot.com/2010/03/medusa-mortal-gorgon.html>.