What does the Medusa represent?

The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.

What was Medusa’s real name?

Euryale is from the ancient Greek “Ευρυαλη” meaning “broad, wide-stepping, wide threshing;” however her name may also mean “of the wide briny sea.” This would be an appropriate name since she is the daughter of ancient sea deities, Phorcys and Ceto.

What happens if a woman looks at Medusa?

[Greek mythology] So, Medusa was cursed to be so ugly that whoever looked at her (face) turned into stone because of her being so ugly.

Who is Medusa’s husband?

One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology, Medusa was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. She went against her vow and married him.

What happens when Medusa died?

The severed head, which had the power of turning into stone all who looked upon it, was given to Athena, who placed it in her shield; according to another account, Perseus buried it in the marketplace of Argos.

What does a Medusa tattoo mean?

According to The Met Museum, Medusa is portrayed in most Greek art as an “apotropaic symbol used to protect and ward off the negative,” representing a “dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.”

Was Athena protecting Medusa?

Athena is a virgin goddess, one who was the patron of Medusa. When Poseidon raped Medusa, she called out to Athena for both forgiveness and guidance. Thus, transforming Medusa was not an act of rage, rather, it was an act of protection. Athena could not punish Poseidon for what he did to Medusa.