Gorgon. Image by Jarrod Owen
A gorgon is a warrior woman with live hair full of snakes, and a terrible petrifying gaze.
The gorgons are thought to have been part of a race of female warriors, although only three are known; Medusa, Esteno and Euríale. These sisters, daughters of the marine deities Ceto and Phorcis, formed one of the most powerful and ancient triads in known mythology. They had mental and physical powers and had the gift of healing.
It is known that Poseidon and Medusa desecrated the temple of the goddess Athena and, in punishment, Medusa became the only mortal of the three gorgons. Furthermore, she went from being a beautiful young maiden to having the monstrous appearance of her sisters.
Gorgons have hideous hair made of living snakes, plus they have wild boar’s tusks, bat wings, and a body covered in metallic dragon scales. Its feet and hands are quite claw-like.
The gaze of the gorgons can turn anyone who looks at them to stone, even for a brief moment. In addition, the snakes in its hair can bite and inject venom from half a meter away.
Medusa turning to stone. Image by Amir Briki
Legend has it that Perseus managed to kill Medusa guided by Athena, and using her shield as a mirror to avoid turning into stone. He decapitated her and from her neck came a winged horse; Pegasus. It is also said that on one side of Medusa’s body flowed blood capable of resurrecting the dead and on the other a deadly poison.
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