Was Medusa a victim or a villain?

Medusa was raped by Poseidon, but instead of being defended by her patron goddess, Athena, she was punished for being raped. This makes Medusa a victim.

How did Medusa kill her victims?

Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. Medusa was the only Gorgon who was mortal; hence her slayer, Perseus, was able to kill her by cutting off her head.

What is the message of the story Medusa?

His courage, strength, and intelligence was also the reason that Perseus saved Andromeda from the Cetus and returned home with her, slaying both Phineus and Polydectes with the head of Medusa by turning them into stone. The story of Perseus and Medusa is a story of perseverance, bravery, and dignity.

Why did Athena curse Medusa for being simply a victim?

But in Ovid’s version (a famed poet who wrote myths), Medusa was born a woman. In fact, she was gorgeous and attracted the attention of the sea god Poseidon. As punishment, Athena cursed Medusa to have an appearance so ugly it would cause people to turn to stone if they looked at her.

Who was Medusa before cursed?

Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. She is not considered a goddess or Olympian, but some variations on her legend say she consorted with one. When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon, Athena punished her.

What does the Medusa symbolize?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Her hair of snakes and reptilian skin are symbolic of the natural cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

How did goddess Athena teach Medusa a lesson?

Athena was the goddess of wisdom and strategy. She did not appreciate that Medusa and Poseidon were at her temple, but not worshipping her, so Athena turned Medusa into a monster with snake-hair as punishment.

Did Athena actually help Medusa?

Medusa was not cursed, she was actually helped by Athena. Her patron goddess gifted her with an ability that would never let Medusa feel powerless again.

Why did Athena punish Medusa and not Poseidon?

The first reason for why Athena punished Medusa instead of Poseidon is: she could not punish Poseidon. After all, Poseidon was the chief god of the sea. Only Zeus could have a chance to punish Poseidon for what he did. That is not to mention Poseidon was the uncle of Athena.