Table of Contents
What happened to Athena after she cursed Medusa?
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.
What did Athena say to Medusa?
It celebrated the goddess of wisdom and beauty – Athena. Medusa saw a statue of Athena and she whispered, “Whoever did this statue did do a good job… but it would look better if it was me!” When Medusa reached the altar, she sighed happily and said, “My, this is a beautiful temple.
Why did Athena curse Medusa with snakes?
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. She was given cracked skin, madness, and her signature snake hair and stone eyes. She was scared of her powers and angry at the gods for cursing her.
Why did Athena want Medusa killed?
Athena wanted Medusa dead because she could never forgive Medusa and Poseidon for what they did. Persues was also her half brother. The gods were also tired of her turning so many people into rock. This is why Athena chose to help Persues kill Medusa.
Did Athena protect or punish Medusa?
Athena did it to protect Medusa. No one would look at her luscious hair or beautiful face again in lust without seeing serpents and without being turned to stone. Medusa never again had to worry about being raped or fighting off a rapist.
Did Poseidon turn Medusa into a snake?
Poseidon, god of the sea, lusted after Medusa and raped her in Athena’s temple. After catching word of Poseidon’s attack on Medusa, a supposedly jealous Athena turned Medusa’s lovely hair into snakes and cursed her with the ability to turn men who looked at her into stone.
What is the story of Medusa in Greek mythology?
In a late version of the Medusa myth, by the Roman poet Ovid (Metamorphoses 4.794–803), Medusa was originally a beautiful maiden, but when Poseidon had sex with her in Minerva ‘s (i.e. Athena ‘s) temple, Athena punished Medusa by transforming her beautiful hair into horrible snakes.
What is Athena’s curse on Medusa?
Athena’s curse was not a punishment for Medusa, but a punishment for the gods and men who intended to harm her. After all, Athena gave Medusa the ultimate power against men: the power to both punish and avoid the male gaze regardless of the rank or status of the man daring to look at her.
Is the Medusa head still used today?
Well, except for all of the Medusa heads that proliferated in ancient and modern art, including the grotesque version taken as an emblem by the warrior goddess, Athena.