Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse

Medusa is a famous figure from Greek mythology, who was once a beautiful maiden and later became a monstrous creature with snakes for hair. She was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, and sisters of the Graeae, Echidna, and Ladon. Medusa was the only mortal among the Gorgons, and she was transformed into a monster by Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, as a punishment for having an affair with Poseidon, the god of the sea, in Athena's temple.

Anyone who looked at Medusa's face would turn to stone, so she was feared and avoided by many. She was eventually killed by the hero Perseus, who used a shield given by Athena to avoid her gaze and a sickle given by Hermes, the messenger god, to cut off her head. From Medusa's blood, two offspring emerged: Chrysaor, a giant with a golden sword, and Pegasus, a winged horse. Perseus gave Medusa's head to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the Aegis, as a symbol of protection and power.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse

Medusa has inspired many artists and writers throughout history, and she has appeared in various forms of media and culture. Some of the examples are:

Soul Eater Medusa:

A character from the manga and anime series Soul Eater, who is a witch and the main antagonist of the first part of the story. She is the mother of Crona, a meister who wields a demon sword that is also his/her sibling. She is cunning, manipulative, and ruthless, and she seeks to awaken the Kishin, a god of madness and destruction, by using Crona and other experiments. She has snake tattoos all over her body, and she can control snakes and use them as weapons or spies. She can also turn people into stone by using a spell called Vector Arrow.

Medusa Greek Mythology:

The original source of the Medusa myth, which can be found in various ancient texts and artworks, such as the poems of Hesiod and Ovid, the sculptures of Phidias and Bernini, and the paintings of Caravaggio and Rubens. The most famous version of the story is told by Ovid in his Metamorphoses, where he describes Medusa's beauty, her rape by Poseidon, her curse by Athena, and her death by Perseus. He also gives details about her children, Chrysaor and Pegasus, and the effects of her blood, which could either heal or harm, depending on the source.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse

Medusa Marvel:

A character from the Marvel Comics universe, who is the queen of the Inhumans, a race of superhumans who were created by the alien Kree. She has long, prehensile hair that she can use as a weapon or a tool, and she is the wife and cousin of Black Bolt, the king of the Inhumans, who has a voice so powerful that it can destroy anything. She is also the sister of Crystal, the former girlfriend of the Human Torch, and the cousin of Karnak, Gorgon, Triton, and Maximus, who are all members of the Inhuman royal family. She has appeared in various comic books, animated shows, and live-action adaptations, such as the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Inhumans.

Perseus and Medusa:

The classic tale of the hero's quest to slay the monster and rescue the princess, which is one of the oldest and most influential stories in Western literature. Perseus was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Danae, the daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos. Acrisius had locked Danae in a bronze chamber, because an oracle had told him that his grandson would kill him.

Zeus impregnated Danae by turning into a shower of gold, and she gave birth to Perseus. Acrisius then put Danae and Perseus in a wooden chest and threw them into the sea, but they were rescued by a fisherman named Dictys, who raised Perseus as his own son. When Perseus grew up, he was sent by Polydectes, the king of Seriphos, who wanted to marry Danae, to bring him the head of Medusa.

Perseus received help from Athena, Hermes, and the Graeae, and he managed to kill Medusa and take her head. On his way back, he saw Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, because her mother had boasted that she was more beautiful than the Nereids, the sea nymphs. Perseus fell in love with Andromeda, and he killed the monster and freed her. He then married her and took her to his homeland, where he fulfilled the prophecy and killed Acrisius by accident.

Who killed Medusa:

Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, killed Medusa by cutting off her head with a sickle given by Hermes, while using a shield given by Athena to avoid her gaze. He then used her head as a weapon against his enemies, such as the Titan Atlas, who was turned into a mountain, and the sea serpent Cetus, who was sent to devour Andromeda. He also gave her head to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the Aegis.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse

Medusa tattoo meaning:

A Medusa tattoo can have different meanings, depending on the design and the interpretation of the wearer. Some of the possible meanings are:

Power and protection:

Medusa's head was used by Athena as a symbol of her authority and strength, and it was also believed to ward off evil and enemies. A Medusa tattoo can represent the same qualities, and it can also signify courage, wisdom, and justice, as well as the ability to overcome challenges and fears.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa tattoo meaning

Feminism and sexuality:

Medusa was once a beautiful and innocent woman, who was violated by Poseidon and cursed by Athena, and she became a victim of the patriarchal system and the male gaze. A Medusa tattoo can express the anger and resentment of women who have suffered from oppression and abuse, and it can also celebrate their beauty and sexuality, which are not diminished by their trauma. A Medusa tattoo can also symbolize female empowerment, independence, and liberation, as well as the rejection of conventional standards and norms.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa tattoo meaning

Transformation and rebirth:

Medusa underwent a drastic change, from a human to a monster, and from a mortal to an immortal. A Medusa tattoo can reflect the process of transformation and rebirth, which can be positive or negative, depending on the perspective. A Medusa tattoo can also represent the duality of life and death, as well as the cycle of creation and destruction, which are embodied by her children, Chrysaor and Pegasus, who were born from her blood.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa tattoo meaning

Medusa piercing:

A type of lip piercing that is placed in the center of the upper lip, above the cupid's bow. It is also known as a philtrum piercing, because it pierces the philtrum, the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip. It is named after Medusa, because it resembles a snake's tongue, which is one of her attributes. A Medusa piercing can enhance the appearance of the lips and the smile, and it can also express the personality and style of the wearer. Some of the possible meanings of a Medusa piercing are:

Boldness and confidence:

A Medusa piercing is a prominent and noticeable piercing, which can draw attention to the face and the mouth. A Medusa piercing can indicate that the wearer is bold and confident, and that he or she is not afraid to stand out and express himself or herself.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa piercing

Rebellion and individuality:

A Medusa piercing is a relatively uncommon and unconventional piercing, which can go against the mainstream and the traditional. A Medusa piercing can signify that the wearer is rebellious and individualistic, and that he or she is not bound by the rules and expectations of society.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa piercing

Beauty and sensuality:

A Medusa piercing can accentuate the features and the shape of the lips and the face, and it can also add a touch of glamour and elegance. A Medusa piercing can imply that the wearer is beautiful and sensual, and that he or she is aware of his or her attractiveness and charm.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa piercing

Medusa costume:

A costume that is inspired by the appearance and the mythology of Medusa, which can be worn for Halloween, cosplay, or other occasions. A Medusa costume usually consists of a dress or a gown, often in green, gold, or black colors, and a headpiece or a wig that resembles snakes. A Medusa costume can also include accessories, such as jewelry, makeup, and props, such as a shield or a sword. A Medusa costume can have different effects, depending on the intention and the impression of the wearer. .

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse | Medusa costume

A Medusa costume is a great choice for Halloween, cosplay, or any occasion that requires a striking and mythical look. You can create your own Medusa costume by following these steps:

Choose a dress or a gown that matches the color scheme of your snakes. You can opt for green, gold, or black colors, or a combination of them. You can also add some accessories, such as jewelry, belts, or cuffs, to enhance your outfit.

Make a snake headpiece or a wig that resembles snakes. You can use rubber snakes, craft wire, and hot glue to attach them to a headband, a cap, or a wig. You can also spray your hair or wig with green hairspray to match the snakes. Arrange the snakes so that they look balanced and wavy, and avoid covering your face with them.

Apply some makeup that complements your costume. You can use green, gold, or black eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to create a dramatic and smoky look. You can also use some highlighter or glitter to add some shine to your face. You can also paint your lips with a dark or metallic color, or use a lip piercing to mimic a snake’s tongue.

Medusa: From Monstrous Myth to Modern Muse