How Did Medusa Influence The Modern Day World

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Medusa is a being widely known in Greek Mythology. Although she is best known for her monstrous looks, Medusa is also known for her act of destruction and her influence on the modern day world.

As many know, Medusa is the woman with the snaked hair and menacing looks but what many don't know is the reason behind her looks. Before, Medusa served Athena, the Greek Goddess of War, as a priestess. She was a woman with irresistible looks whom many men pursued and felt attracted to. Medusa as one of three Gorgon sisters. A Gorgon is a fearsome monster known for having deadly powers.They have "writhing snakes for hair, staring eyes, hideous grins and protruding fangs" From all three sisters, including Medusa, she was the only one born mortal and the only one that had been beautiful during her youth. (The World Book Encyclopedia383) Medusa was …show more content…

These include turning any mortal into stone with a simple gaze to her eyes as well as castrating men. This is the power to take away the ability to use the testicles from men, thanks to Athena's curse. (Bowers217) Because -as previously mentioned- Medusa was raped by Poseidon, Athena gave her this power in order for her to take vengeance on any other men she wished for objectifying her and abusing of her against her own will. Even though Athena did this, it still didn't mean she was being kind and generous to Medusa. She jus saw this as the logical thing to do hence the past events. Athena still saw Medusa as an abomination because she took offense in her being raped in her temple. This secondary supernatural power is not often mentioned in books for lower grades since it's not a very appropriate topic for the younger minds, but it is broadly mentioned in higher reading levels. (McLaughlin) On the other hand, her main power which is turning people into stone by as simple sight of her eyes is broadly mentioned and is one of the topics for which she is most universally

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