Medusa

Medusa was one of the most famous monsters in Greek mythology. She had hissing snakes instead of hair. Anyone who looked at her face turned to stone instantly. She was one of three sisters called the Gorgons.

The Gorgon's Curse

Medusa was not always a monster. She was once a beautiful woman. The goddess Athena turned her hair into snakes as a punishment. After that, Medusa lived alone because everyone who saw her turned to stone.

Medusa's Defeat

The hero Perseus was sent to defeat Medusa. He used a shiny shield as a mirror so he would not look at her directly. He cut off her head while she was sleeping. From her neck, a winged horse called Pegasus was born.

Fun Facts

• Medusa's two sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal, but Medusa was not.
• Even after being cut off, Medusa's head could still turn people to stone.
• Athena later put Medusa's face on her own shield for protection.

Did You Know?

The word 'medusa' is also used in science. Jellyfish are sometimes called medusae because their tentacles look like Medusa's snaky hair!