What is the myth of Medusa?
The snake-haired Medusa does not become widespread until the first century B.C. The Roman author Ovid describes the mortal Medusa as a beautiful maiden seduced by Poseidon in a temple of Athena. Such a sacrilege attracted the goddess’ wrath, and she punished Medusa by turning her hair to snakes.
How was Medusa cursed?
When Athena discovered the affair, she was enraged and immediately cursed Medusa by taking away her beauty. She turned her long hair into venomous snakes and made her beautiful face so hideous that those who looked into her eyes would immediately be turned to stone. Medusa’s life was forever changed.
Did Medusa and Poseidon date?
A beautiful mortal, Medusa was the exception in the family, until she incurred the wrath of Athena, either due to her boastfulness or because of an ill-fated love affair with Poseidon.
What was Medusa’s relationship with Poseidon?
Poseidon vanished after he was done and left Medusa vulnerable and weak. Medusa prayed to Athena for guidance and forgiveness. After all, in those days, the gods claimed their mates as their partner forever, and Medusa was now Poseidon’s wife.
Why did God punish Medusa?
Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon, Athena punished her. She turned Medusa into a hideous hag, making her hair into writhing snakes and her skin was turned a greenish hue.
Why did Athena really curse Medusa?
Did Poseidon and Athena have a child?
ATHENE (Athena) The goddess of warcraft was, according to some, the daughter of Poseidon and Tritonis (contrary to the usual account in which she springs fully-grown from the head of Zeus). They were sons of Poseidon and the sea-goddess Halia.
Who did Medusa hate?
One day, Poseidon (or Neptune), the God of the Sea and rival to Athena, saw Medusa and was mesmerized. But Medusa being a loyal priestess to the Goddess rejected him. And what does he do about it? Rape her of course!
Who is the son of Poseidon and Medusa?
Chrysaor
In Greek mythology, Chrysaor (Greek: Χρυσάωρ, Chrysáor, gen.: Χρυσάορος, Chrysáoros; English translation: “He who has a golden sword” (from χρυσός, “golden” and ἄορ, “sword”), the brother of the winged horse Pegasus, was often depicted as a young man, the son of Poseidon and the Gorgon Medusa.
Is Poseidon older than Zeus?
Poseidon. Poseidon is the brother of Zeus. After the overthow of their Father Cronus he drew lots with Zeus and Hades, another brother, for shares of the world. His prize was to become lord of the sea.
Why was Medusa so upset with the gods?
What was tragic for Medusa was that Perseus had some help from the gods. He was given special weapons to defeat her and escape from her monstrous siblings. The myths have it that Neptune, or in some stories Poseidon, impregnated Medusa after their brief encounter. This may have been why the goddess of virginity was so upset.
Why was Medusa cursed to be Poseidon’s wife?
Medusa prayed to Athena for guidance and forgiveness. After all, in those days, the gods claimed their mates as their partner forever, and Medusa was now Poseidon’s wife. Athena looked down in anger and cursed Medusa for betraying her. Medusa was sent to a faraway island and was cursed so that no man would want her.
Who are the Sisters of Medusa in Greek mythology?
Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of Phorcys and Ceto, sisters of the Graeae, Echidna, and Ladon – all dreadful and fearsome beasts.
Why was Medusa’s hair turned into a snake?
Unfortunately, this took place in the temple of Minerva. The goddess Minerva ( Athena) was not happy about this behavior and cursed Medusa. Her beautiful hair was changed to that of a head full of snakes. Her features also changed and were so ugly, that whoever looked at her face was turned into stone.