Medusa Medusa In Greek mythology, Medusa (; Μέδουσα "guardian, protectress") was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone. Most sources describe her as the daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, though the author Hyginus makes her the daughter of Gorgon and Ceto. According to Hesiod and Aeschylus, she lived and died on an island named Sarpedon, somewhere near Cisthene. The 2nd-century BCE novelist Dionysios Skytobrachion puts her somewhere in Libya, where Herodotus had said the Berbers originated her myth, as
Far-Stepper/Of Wide Sea to the caverns to hide their shameful lovemaking. After they depart the island, Euryale hears a cry from within and discovers the mortal baby Medusa. Euryale devotes herself to her young sister and becomes a mother figure, bringing purpose back to her life. In her teenage years, Medusa learns of Stheno's murder from Euryale. Furious at the gods, Medusa decides to ascend Mount Olympus to get her revenge, without Euryale's knowledge. Upon arrival at the Temple of Athena, Medusa is met by Poseidon, who proceeds to overcome and subsequently rape her. Athena witnesses the act and curses Medusa, causing all