Perseus shield. Perseus then proceeded to the Gorgons' cave. In the cave he came upon the sleeping Medusa. By viewing Medusa's reflection in his polished shield, he safely approached and cut off her head. From her neck sprang Pegasus ("he who sprang") and Chrysaor ("sword of gold"), the result of Poseidon and Medusa's mating. The other two Gorgons pursued Perseus, but, wearing his helm of darkness, he escaped. From here he proceeded to visit King Atlas who had refused him hospitality; in revenge Perseus turned him to stone. On the way back to Seriphos Island, Perseus stopped in the kingdom of
Far-Stepper/Of Wide Sea mortals to turn to stone upon gazing at the Gorgon. Medusa returns to the caverns below, traumatised by the horrors that have befallen her. In the years that follow, Medusa stares out to sea, desperate for love and companionship to heal her emotional damage. Her sister Euryale falls deeply in love with the girl, longing to be the one who could bring Medusa solace. Eventually, Euryale reveals her feelings and Medusa discovers the comfort she craved with her sister. Their love blossoms, but is cut tragically short by another arrival on the island. The warrior Perseus comes ashore, fuelled by