The Narrative Evolution of Medusa
Greek myths and legends have been around since 700BC. Over time, myths and legends have been rewritten or portrayed in different ways. One of these myths is the myth of medusa.
When you think of Medusa, you will probably think about the snake-haired villain depicted in many famous movies such as Percy Jackson or Clash of the Titans. The myth she is most known about is about her fateful encounter with the Greek hero Perseus.
Around the 8th century BC, She was written to be one of three Gorgon sisters born to Keto and Phorkys, primordial sea gods. However, Medusa was mortal, while the others, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal. In this version of the myth, Perseus beheaded Medusa with a harpe, and that caused the birth of Medusa’s children; a pegasus and a giant Chrysaor. Moreover, after the beheading, Medusa still had her powers and anyone who looked into the eyes of Medusa would be turned to stone.
The myth of Medusa only started becoming common in the 1st century BC. In the 1st century BC, The Roman author Ovid described the story of Medusa as a beautiful woman who was raped by Poseidon in a temple of Athena. That act caused Athena to lash out and punish Medusa by turning her hair into snakes.
Although Medusa’s appearance changes drastically throughout the centuries, she is always portrayed as a female. From the Ancient Greeks to the Middle Ages, she was a sign of protection for women as she served as a warning to outsiders. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Medusa changes from a terrifying monster to a predatory, seductive woman.
Through a Christian lens, Medusa was seen as a symbol of a woman’s power to lead men astray. Perseus is reframed as a symbol of virtue, triumphing over Medusa. So, Medusa went from a victim of sexual assault to a predatory sexual being.
However, in the 19th century, Poet Percy Shelley depicted Medusa as graceful, not evil. The Poet found something new in the story of Medusa. She didn’t have a stoney stare but a mesmerizing gaze; she was not a monster but a terrifying beauty.
Even recently, feminists used Medusa as a symbol of female resistance and revenge.
Medusa’s story always inevitably ends with her being beheaded by Perseus, aided by Athena. Perseus then uses her severed head (that still has her powers) to help him defeat the villain of his story, Polydectes. That symbolizes that Medusa’s head (where she has knowledge and power) is taken from her to empower a man and fight his battles for him. One of the most famous versions of this story is in Clash of the Titans movie 2010.
Medusa is the image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. Medusa, as a character, symbolizes what female power looks like from the perspective of threatened male authority. Her whole head (the female face) is needed to remove her powers and never just her eyes. Moreover, her defeat by decapitation demonstrates that society sees femininity as a threat.
In conclusion, Medusa, as a character, has been portrayed differently over time. Depending on your perspective, she can be either a villain or a victim.
By: Liew Yik Xuan
