See also Orthrus - The Two-Headed Guardian of Geryon's Cattle The rape of Medusa by Poseidon In addition to her looks, Medusa was a priestess of the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Athens and the embodiment of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare. She had luscious, long hair that was the envy of many, and her features were said to be so alluring that even the gods themselves were captivated by her beauty. The myth has since been retold in countless forms, from art and literature to film and television Medusa the priestess of Athenaīefore Athena cursed her, Medusa was a beautiful woman known for her striking looks and charm. It was later popularized in the works of the poet Hesiod and the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides. It is believed to have originated in the pre-classical period, around 700 BC. The story of Medusa is an ancient Greek myth that has been passed down through the ages.
The myth of the curse of Medusa Bernini’s sculpture of Medusa / Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons In this article, we will delve into the myth of Athena and Medusa and explore the various theories behind Athena’s actions, questioning whether her curse was meant to punish Medusa or if other motivations were at play. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a beautiful maiden with luscious hair and striking features until she was cursed by the goddess Athena and turned into a hideous monster with snakes for hair.
