The myth of Medusa and Perseus is, for many, a metaphor for horror and how it can be saved through art; for others, it represents a feminine myth, in which the indignant woman becomes somewhat monstrous, a dangerous image that frightens. and astonishes those who contemplate it.
There are several versions of the Medusa and Perseus myth, however, the most classic narrative that both had a tragic origin.
- Medusa was one of three gorgonies.
- All daughters of Fercis and Ceto.
- Of the three.
- Medusa was the most beautiful girl and also the only mortal; its beauty was so great that it aroused admiration between gods and men.
Poseidon is said to have been so fascinated that he raped her in the marble of Athena Temple, this goddess did not tolerate such blasphemy and then turned Medusa into a horrible monster, like her sisters, gave her metal hands and sharp fangs. .
Medusa’s beautiful hair has become snakes, and she also received eyes that emitted a terrible light, since then, everyone who looked her in the eye has turned to stone.
After that, she was exiled to the ends of the living world and Medusa became pregnant. From that moment on, he became one of the most feared monsters.
“One day you will learn that being half human makes you stronger than just being a god. “Sam Worthington.
The myth of Medusa and Perseus tells that the king of Argos learned from an oracle that his daughter’s son would kill him. To avoid prophecy, he locked his daughter Donae in an airtight bronze chamber that was placed underground.
However, Zeus was in love with her. She got pregnant becoming a golden rain that entered the room.
Later Perseus was born. His tears alerted his grandfather to the event, so the king decided to lock Danae and Perseus in a wooden chest and throw him overboard. Both were rescued on an island.
Perseus grew up and became a beautiful young man, there was a suitor who wanted to be with his mother, so Perseus pledged to kill Medusa to avoid this event.
Athena, who already had an old resentment against Medusa, offered to help her, along with Hermes, who took him to the house of the Greia, who were three ancient prophets and relatives of Medusa, the three together had one eye and one. tooth.
Perseus took advantage of an oversight and grabbed the eye and tooth, for him to return them, they had to show the way to the Nymphs.
It tells the myth of Medusa and Perseus that when the brave young man arrived where the nynfas were, they gave him some sandals tied so he could fly through the air.
They also gave him Hades’ helmet, which was made of dog skin, whoever wearing it would be invisible. Finally, they gave him a bag and Hermes, in turn, gave him a fake sharp ant and a shiny shield.
Armed like this, Perseus went looking for the gorgonian, in his way he found stone statues, they were the bodies of those who had come so far and looked Medusa in the face, so he understood that he had to be careful and therefore waited for the right time.
Once the gorgones fell asleep, Perseus placed his shiny shield to reflect Medusa’s face, so he avoided looking her in the face. Then he took the forgery and, in one stroke, cut off his head.
From her body came the horse Pegasus and Chrysaor, a giant, were the children she had.
According to the myth of Medusa and Perseus, the young hero has used Medusa’s head to defeat his enemies, but his head has not lost his power.
He put it in the bag he had carried and, thanks to him, he was able to face monsters and enemies, he simply ripped Medusa’s skull off and when others saw him, they turned to stone.
They say the myth of Medusa and Perseus is symbolically linked to art. In particular, the Coat of Perseus is a means of indirectly dealing with horror. Here’s what art does: it reflects. This allows us to look in the mirror, but at the same time prevents it from paralyzing us with terror.
In addition, Medusa’s head has become Perseus’s main weapon, which can also be seen symbolically, it is with the art that we can face these demons and internal enemies that haunt us, Medusa’s head would be the work, the result. , the product of creation.