Mike Clinton
Introduction: Understanding the Myth
The Greek myth of Medusa is one of the most fascinating and complex stories from ancient mythology. The tale of a woman with snakes on her head has captivated audiences for centuries, and has been depicted in art, literature, and film. But why does she have snakes on her head? This question has puzzled scholars and enthusiasts alike, and has led to a variety of interpretations and theories about the symbolism of Medusa’s snakes.
The Myth of Medusa: A Brief Overview
According to the myth, Medusa was a beautiful woman with long golden hair, who caught the eye of the sea god Poseidon. Poseidon, who was known for his womanizing ways, lusted after Medusa and raped her in the temple of Athena. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, was outraged by this violation of her temple and punished Medusa by turning her into a monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at Medusa would be turned to stone, and she was forced to live alone on an island, shunned by society.