I just learned this version of the story is from Roman mythology and not Greek mythology! Medusa, once a beautiful mortal woman, was transformed into a Gorgon by the goddess Minerva (Roman equivalent of Athena) as punishment for being r_ped by Neptune (Roman equivalent of Poseidon) in Minerva's temple. As a Gorgon, Medusa's hair turned into snakes, and anyone who looked into her eyes would be turned to stone. She lived in isolation until the hero Perseus was sent to kill her, aided by gifts from the gods. Perseus successfully beheaded Medusa, using her head as a weapon to defeat his enemies, before giving it to Minerva to place on her shield.
Oh, that is a very important one for me, because here is a misunderstanding - it was Minerva, not Athéna. That topic is one of my main focus and one of the main reason for creating a YT channel in the first place. ____ Athéna: The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Civilization In Greek mythology, Athéna, also known as Athena, is the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, crafts, and civilization. She is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Metis, the Titaness of wisdom. According to the myth, Zeus swallowed Metis while she was pregnant with Athéna, fearing that their child would overthrow him. However, Athéna later emerged fully grown and fully armed from Zeus's head, symbolizing her divine birth and association with intellect and wisdom. She is often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a shield, spear, or the winged goddess Nike. Athéna is celebrated for her role as the protector of heroes and cities, including her patronage of Athens, the capital of Greece. She aided Perseus, Odysseus, and Heracles in their quests, offering wise counsel and assistance. Throughout Greek mythology, Athéna is revered for her rationality, compassion, and strategic prowess. She is known to favor diplomacy and peaceful resolutions whenever possible, and her wisdom is sought after by gods and mortals alike. Minerva: The Roman Goddess of Wisdom and War In Roman mythology, Minerva is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Athéna and shares many of her attributes. As the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and the arts, Minerva is associated with knowledge, intellect, and civilization. She is considered the guardian of craftspeople and is often depicted with a shield, spear, and owl, symbolizing wisdom. However, in Ovid's work "Metamorphoses," Minerva is portrayed in a more complex light. While she retains her role as a goddess of wisdom and civilization, Ovid emphasizes her vengeful nature and actions of punishment. For example, in the tale of Arachne, a talented mortal weaver who challenged Minerva's weaving skills, the goddess transforms Arachne into a spider as retribution for her audacity. Similarly, in the story of Medusa, a beautiful mortal woman whom Minerva accuses of desecrating her temple, the goddess aids in her transformation into a gorgon, a monstrous creature with the power to turn people to stone. In these instances, Ovid's depiction of Minerva accentuates her punitive aspect, reflecting a more assertive and avenging portrayal compared to her traditional role as a benevolent and wise deity. The Contrast: Athéna's Benevolence vs. Minerva's Retribution - Ovid's Portrayal In exploring the contrast between Athéna and Minerva, it is essential to delve into Ovid's portrayal of the Roman goddess in "Metamorphoses." Ovid, a Roman poet, penned this epic work during the reign of Augustus, a period marked by significant political and cultural changes in ancient Rome. While Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is celebrated for its poetic brilliance and imaginative storytelling, it has also faced criticism and controversy due to its portrayal of Minerva and other mythological figures. In Ovid's rendition, Minerva takes on a more punitive and vengeful nature, which has sparked debates among scholars and enthusiasts alike. Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's retributive actions, such as transforming Arachne into a spider and aiding in the transformation of Medusa into a gorgon, raises questions about the motivations behind his artistic choices. Some scholars argue that Ovid's depiction of Minerva may have been influenced by the political climate of his time, wherein the rule of Augustus encouraged societal harmony and virtue. In this context, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva as an avenging deity might have served as a cautionary tale, warning against defiance and hubris, as well as a reminder of the consequences of disrupting the established order. By emphasizing Minerva's punitive aspect, Ovid may have sought to reinforce the idea of divine justice and the need for individuals to remain within societal boundaries. However, it is important to note that Ovid's interpretation is just one perspective among many in the vast tapestry of mythology. Critics argue that Ovid's portrayal does not align with traditional beliefs and reverence for Minerva, which has led to debates about the accuracy and ethics of his artistic liberties. Moreover, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's vengeful nature can be seen as a reflection of his literary style, wherein he often explored the complexities of human emotions and the darker aspects of human nature. This focus on psychological depth and moral ambiguity is characteristic of Ovid's works, which aim to challenge conventional perceptions and engage readers in thought-provoking narratives. In the modern context, it is essential to approach Ovid's depiction of Minerva with a critical lens, recognizing the artistic license he took as a poet and the potential impact of his work on shaping perceptions of mythological figures. As we examine Ovid's portrayal, we must also acknowledge that mythological narratives have evolved over time and have been subject to various interpretations and adaptations. In conclusion, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva in "Metamorphoses" presents a divergent depiction from the traditional attributes attributed to her in Roman mythology. His artistic choices and emphasis on Minerva's punitive nature have sparked debates and criticism. As we navigate the world of mythology, it is crucial to explore various sources and interpretations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich and multifaceted nature of divine figures and their enduring legacy in human imagination and understanding.
Oh noooooooo! That's history, but it's such sad history. 😔 I never thought I'd say this, but I'm sorry, Medusa, you were wronged in the most vile way & you never deserved it noooooooo matter what you did 😭🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍⚰️💀 *♡ Finally watched your long video 4 days late & I loved it. Tysm ♡*
You get punished for being beautiful You get punished for being ugly What a life Medusa had. Explains our society. No matter beautiful or ugly you are society will find a way to hurt you.
That was on purpose. Ovid wanted you to feel that way. Bc he wanted you to think of Athena as Augustus banning him for claiming that he had sex with his granddaughter, and how he felt like that wasn’t fair and an abuse of authority. He was a brilliant propagandist, I’ll give him that
It's actually narcisist the story behind...but it's the same story over and over again just Open ur eyes and u will see... This place it doesnt shine as we think..theres another story about the moon...theres two moons the mother and the son, the mother takes her own son as her husband it's in the bible the part of Jhon and before that story they we're similar narratives but all of them starts with a jelausy woman...that representa the moon she doesnt like true woman...she is envy like atenea ...who represents Atenea? The moon.... The moon is the evil eye. So... The moon represents narcisism, envy, jealosy, líes and the famous evil eye, witches (but the Bad ones) and more nasty things....
Growing up I've realized that Medusa was never a villaîn. She was a víctim. Poor her and others like her. She maybe a mythology figure but i know all well how in many parts of the world women have to pay the price because their dignity was taken away from them. 💔
@@fabiob3403The roman version is the real version. So is the greek version. And the greek version includes her being attacked by Poseidon. bruh, stop. Percy Jackson books are not lore accurate what so ever no matter how you want to believe.
@@RaccoonReclusebruh stop, no it doesn’t. In the original her and Poseidon had a consensual affair. Poseidon graped many women, Medusa was not one of them. Deal with it. Go obsess over Caeneus (although you’d probably like to retcon that one into a consensual affair so he can be your trans boy icon) or someone else. It’s weird that you’re obsessed over women for being raped and eternally punished for that anyway
@@RaccoonRecluse No, according to Hesiod's Theogony (ca. 8th century B.C.E.), the oldest version of the Medusa myth, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the sea god Phorcys and the sea-monster goddess Ceto. The three sisters, Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale, were born "beyond the framed Ocean, at the hard edge of the world, near Night, where are the clear-voiced Hesperides" (Theogony, 270). It was later reworked with the version of the aggression of Poseidon, in this version Medusa was the most devoted priestess of Athena (goddess of reason and ratiocination) but when she had to face the god Poseidon she fled and panicked, the goddess Athena then punished Medusa by transforming her into a Gorgon not because she was violated by Poseidon but because she, representative of the goddess Athena and of ratiocination, acted according to terror and instinct humiliating the goddess herself. Ps. Who the f*** is Percy Jackson?
@@fabiob3403 percy jackson is a character from a book series written by rick riordan. they tell the story of a boy who finds out he is the child of a god, as well as other kids his age. they all go to a camp to train to fight a war that is going to happen between zeus, hades, poseidon, after percy is accused of having stolen zeus's lightning bolt (implying he was a pawn of another god who wanted to cause problems basically)
Her children were born after her beheading. Symbolic of her purity sacrificed, she gave birth to the first Pegasus. from the force union, she also birthed a venomous scorpion.
Well actually in the real Greek version, she wasn't violated and Athena cursed her and probably would have cursed Poseidon if she could have. I hate the Romans. They copy everything the Greeks do and change slight details. Fucking Romans. Just nock of Greeks.
As a child I thought she was a horrible monster, but now I see her as an innocent women who was violated and betrayed by others who assumed she was a nymph.
Ovid’s propaganda was real good wasn’t it? He wrote a poem about Emperor Augustus having sex with his granddaughter, and horrified and disgusted at the unfounded accusations of incestum, he banned Ovid from Rome. Ovid thought this wasn’t fair, so he wrote Metamorphosis, which retells the stories of the gods to make them into the villains, and the villains as victims, because he believed that was his situation.
Okay, so I decided to be that person with a ridiculously long comment, in order to provide you guys with some explanations that are ment to clarify a lot of misinformation on the Internet: 1) In Hesiod's Theogony Medusa was always a gorgon, and Poseidon had consentual sex with her. Her first mention was in the Iliad, where her face appears on Agamemnon's aegis, because back then gorgons were the equivalent of gargoyles. 2) Medusa's tragic background story was a later addition by Ovid. Now, Ovid is already an overhated figure purely because of this addition, so I'm going to emphasize a lot of headcanons/interpretations that are spread as facts about this roman version, despite the fact that Ovid never wrote them: Medusa was never Athena's priestess, in fact she had a couple of suitors. Athena never "blessed" Medusa, she punished her for desecrating her temple and later helped Perseus to behead her. And Medusa wasn't "the most beautiful", she was just beautiful. 3) Initially Medusa and her sisters were supposed to be hideous, being depicted as "winged women with broad, round heads, serpentine locks of hair, large staring eyes, wide mouths, lolling tongues, the tusks of swine, flared nostrils, and sometimes short, coarse beards." 4) A lot of people who simpathize with Medusa tend to demonize Perseus purely because he killed her... despite the fact that at that time Perseus was only a teenager and had noble reasons. King Polydectes lusted for his mother, Danaë, but because Perseus was there to protect her he couldn't rape nor marry her. So he sent him to bring him Medusa's head as a wedding gift, in the hope that in this way he would die and he could be able to marry his mother. Later, Perseus turned back with her head and petrified him, thus killing his mother's assaulter. 5) This is just my personal opinion: it's way more compelling to challenge the audience by making them empathize with an actual ugly woman, rather than a conventionally attractive one. I've always seen Medusa depicted in the Media as a supermodel with a snake wig, despite the fact that she's supposed to be monstruos. On top of that, you can perceive Medusa as a tragic character even if you go by Hesiod's Theogony. The difference is that in this case it's not the tragedy of a rape victim, but the tragedy of the only daughter of two sea deities that wasn't born immortal (and by extension will be outlived by her entire family), and the tragedy of a mother who died before seeing or even giving birth to her children.
NO NO GENUINELY THANK YOU THIS COMMENT SHOULD BE PINNED TBH CUZ THE MISCONCEPTIONS AND THE FUCKED UP STANDARDS AROUND MEDUSA ARE JUST UGH (not saying its wrong to have her symbol be for victims not at all but i think it’s still important to acknowledge its a MODERN message attached to her)
I can't find my old books (in the middle remodeling) but I could have sworn I read that medusa symbols were used above entrances to houses for protection?
@ yeah they were but i think it was more similar to an evil eye thing like nazarbattus are for hindus, not really explicitly for women’s protection (unlike what tumblr believes respectfully)
It wasn’t a punishment. Athena knew she could not stop it from happening to Medusa again and again. She couldn’t always be there to protect her, and to wage war against Poseidon was not a small thing. Athena turned Medusa into a Gorgon to protect her. Medusa only turned men whose hearts were impure to stone. When they cut her head off the Pegasus flew out. Pegasus is her innocence and divinity that had been hidden inside of the monster. The original Greek translations are much more beautiful than the patriarchal interpretations that were imposed upon them over the centuries. The name Medusa comes from the Medhi. A tribe of woman who would capture men by incapacitating them with snake venom. There are a lot of Greek translations about the Medhi.
This painting and storytelling (as explained by the pinned comment from said creator of video, that it was based on the roman mythology not greek. I’m not familiar with the roman version that much but it’s a nice start to look into it
Athena also assisted in the murder of Medusa and she actively traduced her. Stop depicting Athena's actions as if she was just a gal helping another gal the best she can. That is not what happened.
I would like to, but no. You need to understand the context in which a story was first told. Ancient greek culture was very patriarchal, some cities like Athens even limited in great measure How much a woman could be on the street, con finding them to the inside of their father’s/husband’s home for most of their lives. You must understand that in greek mithology the cause of death, disease, hunger, etc were caused by the first woman and her curiosity (Pandora). I would like that your interpretation was correct, but it’s simply not. She was a woman who was punished for being raped. Cruelty over cruelty.
This is wrong in so many ways. Although i agree that ovid's version of medusa was slightly influenced by politics of that time and the story varies in different versions of this tale but calling what athena did to Medusa a blessing is the most absurd thing imo. She did NOT only turn men with malicious intent into stones she turned every person who looked into her eyes into stone including her best friend. Later athena also helped Perseus in killing Medusa calling it some kind of salvation which is again completely absurb. Even tho this version isn't completely legit, I think this overall depicts the victim blaming culture perfectly. Medusa was blamed for being r*ped while the real culprit wasn't even questioned. Calling her curse a blessing is like saying isolation is the solution to prevent SA and r*pe.. One more thing is that no matter what version of this tale Medusa never meant to harm anyone but always met her cruel faith. Medusa deserved better!
@@lsthero5863this story isn’t Greek though. The Greek version of this story has Medusa born a gorgon with three gorgon sisters, but only she could turn people to stone. Poseidon thought she was sexy and was like “wanna bone?” And she was like “sure!” And they boned, consensually, NOT in Athena’s temple. Then Ovid came around in the Roman Empire, and he wrote a poem involving Emperor Augustus fucking his granddaughter. When Augustus read it, after vomiting in his mouth, he banished Ovid. He is lucky he kept his life. Ovid thought banishment wasn’t fair, so he wrote Metamorphosis, which involves the gods being portrayed as irredeemable villains who do whatever they want to people for their own gain and the traditional villains were rewritten as victims. That’s why I hate this version of the story. It’s propoganda, and I don’t even think Augustus fucked his granddaughter. I think Ovid just made it up bc he thought it was funny, then got offended that Augustus didn’t think it was funny. I don’t like Ovid because I know men who would do that exact same thing and they’re disgusting-they’re joke about sexually assaulting a woman then get up in arms over rape saying “men who do that are disgusting and irredeemable” and all I can think is “self report, much?”
My favorite version of this myth states that Minerva transformed her into a Gorgon as a means of self-defense. Her beauty attracted the attention of evil men, so Minerva gave her the gift of killing them if they so much as looked at her.
@ That...doesnt really make sense? She gave him the advice which was the most important one, "don't look at her directly, use the reflection of the Shield so you won't be petrified" - and Perseus asked for the Help of the Gods and his father Zeus, Father of the Gods, sent down Hermes and Athena to aid his son. So not much of a reason for Athena to kill Perseus.
I have always thought that too. Like what was her crîme?? Being pretty? And she had to pay for it. She was graped by poseidon and she was "punîshed" for it.
If I may (this is a very important topic): The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
Medusa was gorgeous priestess, so she was forced by a God in a temple, cursed by another God for getting forced, and killed by a man who's later called a hero. There's no happy ending, in the end her getting killed was the best thing that could happen to her. It's just so sad, so helplessly messed up. Statues of Perseus holding up Medusa's severed head is the worst as it potrays violence and injustice.
More stories exist: 1. This one 2. She was born that way 3. Athena did that to protect her, since she couldn't fight Poseidon and now every man that will look at her will turn into stone. People will say 2,3 are fake so if you are one of them you can just scroll
Fun fact: Medusa as a legend was only able to exist because people thought our eyes were actively seeing as opposed to the passive light receptors that they actually are. Same reason why people think they can actually feel someone staring at them
It is evolution. The hairs standing on the back of your neck when someone stares is absolutely an evolutionary trait. It helped us when large predators were abound.
@@staleypharmaceuticals2071 you don’t know someone is looking at you. You may subconsciously detect them through another sense, but eyes don’t make feeling on things they look at.
One of the best books I've read about Medusa is called Medusa by Natalie Haynes. It gave me a whole new perspective on what life might have been like for Medusa. I wept for her as I read the book and I have to say it is the best I have read so far. But maybe we should also think about how many "Medusas" we know who are treated like this and need to be seen and heard for a fair chance in life..... There are other books centred on Medusa, but try Natalie Haynes book, it really is a great read
It's amazing metaphor that either stirs up "other"ing or it pricks your heart for her. Back in the day, the violated woman was a villain, while her violator was still a revered god. Today, I'm happy to say that I see mostly sympathetic stories or feelings. We're sorry for her and her fate. We're displeased that she was so abused by both men and society.
Greek Medusa was born a monster. Her being transformed was a Roman retcon of a Greek myth by Ovid. Ovid had serious beef with authority, because they punished him for being quite naughty.
The story of Medusa that I heard: Okay so basically Medusa was one of the most beautiful woman in the world and she was of course a mortal not a god. Poseidon and Medusa were in Athena’s temple and when Poseidon r_ped her. Instead of Athena punishing Poseidon, she decided to punish Medusa for what he did. She made her ugly and terrifying with snakes that would turn you into stone even if you looked so no one could ever love her again. No one could even look at her. This story is very sad and unfair, Poseidon a literal god r_ped a mortal of course for his pleasure. There is a more detailed explanation in the pinned comment written by Mae herself!
The writer of this version is really doing their work into making people believe it is the true and only real one. But i do love the story itself, as its more interesting than simply some born-thing that Medusa had
Because that is such an important topic for me, I will even try to write this comment with my second channel (hoping, that YT will not delete this comment … again): Oh, that is a very important one for me, because here is a misunderstanding - it was Minerva, not Athéna. That topic is one of my main focus and one of the main reason for creating a YT channel in the first place. __ Athéna: The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Civilization In Greek mythology, Athéna, also known as Athena, is the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, crafts, and civilization. She is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Metis, the Titaness of wisdom. According to the myth, Zeus swallowed Metis while she was pregnant with Athéna, fearing that their child would overthrow him. However, Athéna later emerged fully grown and fully armed from Zeus's head, symbolizing her divine birth and association with intellect and wisdom. She is often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a shield, spear, or the winged goddess Nike. Athéna is celebrated for her role as the protector of heroes and cities, including her patronage of Athens, the capital of Greece. She aided Perseus, Odysseus, and Heracles in their quests, offering wise counsel and assistance. Throughout Greek mythology, Athéna is revered for her rationality, compassion, and strategic prowess. She is known to favor diplomacy and peaceful resolutions whenever possible, and her wisdom is sought after by gods and mortals alike. Minerva: The Roman Goddess of Wisdom and War In Roman mythology, Minerva is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Athéna and shares many of her attributes. As the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and the arts, Minerva is associated with knowledge, intellect, and civilization. She is considered the guardian of craftspeople and is often depicted with a shield, spear, and owl, symbolizing wisdom. However, in Ovid's work "Metamorphoses," Minerva is portrayed in a more complex light. While she retains her role as a goddess of wisdom and civilization, Ovid emphasizes her vengeful nature and actions of punishment. For example, in the tale of Arachne, a talented mortal weaver who challenged Minerva's weaving skills, the goddess transforms Arachne into a spider as retribution for her audacity. Similarly, in the story of Medusa, a beautiful mortal woman whom Minerva accuses of desecrating her temple, the goddess aids in her transformation into a gorgon, a monstrous creature with the power to turn people to stone. In these instances, Ovid's depiction of Minerva accentuates her punitive aspect, reflecting a more assertive and avenging portrayal compared to her traditional role as a benevolent and wise deity. The Contrast: Athéna's Benevolence vs. Minerva's Retribution - Ovid's Portrayal In exploring the contrast between Athéna and Minerva, it is essential to delve into Ovid's portrayal of the Roman goddess in "Metamorphoses." Ovid, a Roman poet, penned this epic work during the reign of Augustus, a period marked by significant political and cultural changes in ancient Rome. While Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is celebrated for its poetic brilliance and imaginative storytelling, it has also faced criticism and controversy due to its portrayal of Minerva and other mythological figures. In Ovid's rendition, Minerva takes on a more punitive and vengeful nature, which has sparked debates among scholars and enthusiasts alike. Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's retributive actions, such as transforming Arachne into a spider and aiding in the transformation of Medusa into a gorgon, raises questions about the motivations behind his artistic choices. Some scholars argue that Ovid's depiction of Minerva may have been influenced by the political climate of his time, wherein the rule of Augustus encouraged societal harmony and virtue. In this context, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva as an avenging deity might have served as a cautionary tale, warning against defiance and hubris, as well as a reminder of the consequences of disrupting the established order. By emphasizing Minerva's punitive aspect, Ovid may have sought to reinforce the idea of divine justice and the need for individuals to remain within societal boundaries. However, it is important to note that Ovid's interpretation is just one perspective among many in the vast tapestry of mythology. Critics argue that Ovid's portrayal does not align with traditional beliefs and reverence for Minerva, which has led to debates about the accuracy and ethics of his artistic liberties. Moreover, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's vengeful nature can be seen as a reflection of his literary style, wherein he often explored the complexities of human emotions and the darker aspects of human nature. This focus on psychological depth and moral ambiguity is characteristic of Ovid's works, which aim to challenge conventional perceptions and engage readers in thought-provoking narratives. In the modern context, it is essential to approach Ovid's depiction of Minerva with a critical lens, recognizing the artistic license he took as a poet and the potential impact of his work on shaping perceptions of mythological figures. As we examine Ovid's portrayal, we must also acknowledge that mythological narratives have evolved over time and have been subject to various interpretations and adaptations. In conclusion, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva in "Metamorphoses" presents a divergent depiction from the traditional attributes attributed to her in Roman mythology. His artistic choices and emphasis on Minerva's punitive nature have sparked debates and criticism. As we navigate the world of mythology, it is crucial to explore various sources and interpretations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich and multifaceted nature of divine figures and their enduring legacy in human imagination and understanding.
Yall, just a friendly reminder: this was Ovid's interpretation of Medusa. There is no "official" or "canon" or even "linear" state to any Greek mythological tales. They changed and adapted with the ages, and often reflected that periods culture, history, and temperament towards things going on, and were often time reflective of their authors intent, too. Ovid, for example, was a propagandist who hoped to leverage his personal feelings/attacks towards Athena with this tale (highly recommend people look into it). Ovid's Medusa was not the first telling of her, some depict her and her sisters as having been born that way, and it was not the last. Some have expanded on Ovid's interpretation, instead making Athena look more benevolent (making Medusa look the way she did to protect her from fuether assault). Which could be considered as pushing more propaganda. But no tale is wrong or right. Indeed, most of their history was actually oral. There is a massive chance none of us will ever behold the first tales, the "original" ones. But thats not important. Greek Myth is abstract and ever-changing, it is not monotheism with a nice clean cut linear.
Is the moral to seek the blessing in all situations? To be careful where you seek help? Could it even just be a warning to live your life rather than allowing another to write your story? The painting is as cold and harsh as the events unfolded. Even the light seems as if it would freeze one in contorted pain. Thank you for another wonderful video Ms. Mar✨
Please be careful with this one - since you have seen a few of my journeys; this is one of the most important for me, because here is a deep misconception - the very reason for my channel is this misconception. There are two things to consider: First - It was Minerva (and not Athéna) Second: The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
@Theaphilius_Mythology_Channel This is precisely why the first question is posed. Many tend to approach things as negatives without weighing the possibilities. I also posed the question should we always be clear on where we seek assistance? All due respect I venture only to the philosophical in my comment this morning, blessings 🌞✨
Id heard an alternative myth that Athena didnt turn her into a gorgon as pubishment but rather to protect her from any man who would come to hurt her again. As a woman whos been wounded Medusa wouldve cherished the space to heal and the strength in her new form to fend off any nost person. But as all myths go theres always a hero come to slay the beast and she at least found form as a shield to protect rather than a weapon to hurt. She would forever adorn the goddess' shield in protection
Medusa was known as one of the most beautiful women, and she was a strong believer or Athena. Medusa made offerings, praised, prayed, but she never got an answer. One day, Poseidon confessed his love for Medusa, and it left Athena outraged. Athena, in an act of embarrassment, cursed Medusa
There are two things to consider: First - It was Minerva (and not Athéna) Second: The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
The creator of the video stated in their pinned comment that the painting and storytelling was based on the Roman mythology revolving around Medusa’s story and Minerva was mentioned not Athena. But thank you for sharing for information on this! Will look into their story more and learn more as well ☺️
What’s wild is that compared to greece on that same time, rome could be seen as a Bastion of women’s rights. Specially If you compare them to cities like Athens
@@lsthero5863 That is true ... but if I am not mistaken, no culture (at least that I am aware off), was stronger in that regard than Ancient Egypt - please correct me if I am wrong - I know that in Assyria there was at least one Queen (Shamuramat/Semiramis
I refuse to read into the whole 'oh actually it was meant as a protection' twist that many seem to want to believe in. No, it was a cruel story and no, it was never about giving her an ability to protect herself. If it was, why is her death celebrated, the one who takes off her head seen as a hero rather than a villain? The twist is nice for a modern version of the story but it has to be explicitly stated as such rather than reading nonexistent things into the old original one. It would be a disservice otherwise.
You seem to confuse two stories. There is a Roman version (in which her death is not celebrated - in this version, there is the 'punishment' you speak of; then there is the Greek version, where Medousa always had been a Gorgon (and her death is being celebrated). It is important to know the distinction.
It was just a rumor spreaded by romans to eradicate the worship of greek goddesses especially athena to show her as villain. After the introduction of Christianity, it became true
i heard a version somewhere that Minerva cursed her so no man could lay hands on her again. I choose to remember this one because its wayyy more comforting than the actual story
Btw for those who dont know the story of medusa was that she was sexually vilotated and athena saw this i changed her into a gorgan so no man will ever harm her again ❤
Another way of looking at it is that Athena didn’t mean it as a punishment but as a way where she would never be messed with again. Ik that’s not original intent but 🤷♀️
With her Eyes peering down like that you can see the way the artist captured her last moment in this painting. She accidentally glimpsed her own reflection during the battle which transformed her to stone Instantaneously! So she had no chance to look back up!!
Athena gave her divine gifts to mortal men…but never to women. She’s the main goddess responsible for helping Perseus reach and behead Medusa, even though Medusa ultimately had done nothing wrong.
Medusa in Greek means "jellyfish". You can easily understand how Medusa has "snakes as hair" (tentacles) and when men stared at her they "froze" (they were grossed out).
You are not alone with this - as you can see, I have written dozens of comments in this comment section - trying to explain this misunderstanding/misconception. :)
And the mythology and lore of Medusa being violated by Poseidon was nothing more than Greek fan fiction written by a famous writer in those ancient times but due to history and folk tales people assume it was part of the original legend and her origins.
It was a terribly unjust punishment… but it also made her powerful. No one could violate her again, they could not even meet her eyes lest they be turned to stone. It made her an emblem of protection and strength, particularly for women, and I think that is the legacy that should be remembered. :)
I grew up with the Norse gods so when developing into my pantheon studies it was easy to get into Greek and Roman. The phycology of the gods are numerous and inhuman. Divinity was never bound by humanity. Medusa was a steadfast maiden to her temple and fell punished under the truth of her patran goddess.
"Athena cursed Medusa just because she deemed her suddenly impure Athena cursed Medusa just to spite Poseidon and settle her scores Poseidon didn't learn a thing, in fact I'm not so sure he even cared So Athena cursed Medusa to a life of taking snakes within her hair" - FEMININE RAGE by PEGGY
Medusa counts as a monster, but she is still very much a victim. She was violated, then isolated, and then eventually killed to be used as a weapon. It’s sad to know that these things are sort of normalized in Greek and(maybe Roman) mythology. (I don’t know much abt Roman mythology and stories so-)
I remember I had a school play about Greek mythology and I was picked to be Medusa and when I read the scripts it said at the end someone had to behead me and take my head to someone else for sm,
These themes haven't changed all that much now a days, look at the amount of blaming and shaming victims of r8p endure whether they are male or female :(
On one hand, Athena punished Medusa for being violated in Athena's temple *AND* being a temple maid of Athena. Now doesnt that sound like a man writing the story, what woman in their right mind would get mad at another woman *for being violated* let alone an all knowing goddess who knows her uncle is grapist just like the rest of her male relatives. The second ideration is much better. That Athena didnt punish Medusa by turning her into a gorgon, she saved her. Medusa promised to stay pure forever for Athena, she had no plans in physicslly mingling with men. So to honor Medusa's dedication to her goddess (bc even after turning into a gorgon she STILL worshipped Athena) Athena gave Medusa a power to turn anyone who looks at her to stone. Now imagine if she had that before the sea god took her for himself. She would worship athena forever in peace. No one would s.a medusa again, but instead, decapitate her.
Got you covered - have a look around in this comment section - you will see a lot of my comments all over the place (underneath the pinned comment is my main comment to this topic - this topic is very important for me - if you read my comments you will see why. :)
It should be noted that this is one of the many versions of the myth. It is the most recent and the one with the feminist point. The others portray Medusa as being in love with Poseidon or at least willing to sleep with him. I'm not saying this to take credit away from her or anything. Also, in the feminist version, either Athena turns her into a monster out of anger or she turns her into a monster to protect her from others like Poseidon. There will never be just one version and none is the "true" one.
The story isn’t even canon in Roman mythology. Yes Roman, since it was written by a Roman poet named Ovid who didn’t really believed in the myths. It was a critique on the government Medusa being the people and Neptune and Minerva being the government (not Poseidon or Athena). Medusa was born a gorgon and at the time they were depicted as ugly. Unfortunately this “myth” is popular and overshadowed the original myth that Medusa was born a gorgon.
I got you covered - have a look around in this comment section; you will find a lot of my comments all over the place, adressing exactly that (and giving historical background as well)
According to Greco-Roman myth, Athena either punished Medusa because she was forbidden to attack Poseidon, the violator, or cursed her to protect her from the lusts of men.
There are three different tellings of her backstory, this is probably my least favorite because she didn't deserve anything that happened to her and the author who wrote it sucks. I feel so bad for her she didn't deserve any of that 😢
Yes, Hesiod (famous for the Theogony): Stheno (the Mighty or Strong), Euryale (the Far Springer) and Medusa (the Queen), But while Medousa was mortal, her two sisters (who also could turn ppl to stone) where immortal.
i was so confused seeing all the modern takes on medusa because when i initially read her myth a long time ago, she was never a beautiful woman. she was just a gorgon, a monster. it was still messed up though because from what i remember, she just chilled with her sisters until perseus came along and beheaded her.
Same! Its crazy how much your perception of a story's characters changes as we age. Plus, while it is sad that Medusa was ultimately killed even after her tragedy, at least her death allowed for another woman to escape being violated (Perseus's mother).
@bunneechan_ I meant Danaë, Perseus's mother who was most likely going to get forced into marrying Polydectes if Perseus didn't kill him with Medusa's head.
The version I grew up knowing was that she was a beautiful woman that became so consumed with her beauty, vainity and narrcicism, that her beauty was taken from her and she was turned to an ugly snake headed monster as a punishment.
It deppends on the version, some versions say it was consensual, others (modern ones, that must be said) intèrpret that She transformed her so no other man could hurt her again… But knowing greek mythology and How patriarchal it was, it’s most likely it was a punishment to a woman who’s only crime was to be raped.
That narrative that it was a punishment was from a mans perspective allegedly. The alternate version of the story is that athena turned Medusa into a gorgon so that she could petrify any man into a statue and never be at risk of being assaulted again.
When legends are similar Christian scholars are told to look for repeating specific details to find the original. Ignore the "once upon a time" and look for "Noah was 600 years, 2 months and 17 days old when...".
If you choose the version were she is a monster then she was never a victim. If you choose to make Athena the monster then you make Medusa a victim. I choose to look at it all as simple fiction.
It was the temple of Minerva (not Athéna); and she was not punished for it, she got transformed (metamorphed) for protection (which caused Medousa to suffer from isolation - so she was 'freed' from this 'curse' (by sending her to the Afterlife)). Keep in mind, that is the Roman version of this - there is also a Greek version of the story (the original story was quiet different - here Medousa always had been a Gorgon and was a thread to humanity - hence her beheading). The Ἀράχνη, [Aráchnē] story is also from the same author - Ovid; it is also a Roman story and not a Greek story; and here again, Minerva did not punish Ἀράχνη, but transformed her to a 'creature' who can weave much better (not only because of more arms to do so, but also with the ability to create the material for herself - but over time those stories seemed to be interpreted as punishments (rather than 'weird' blessings - mostly because Ovid had some problems with the political climate at his time and is famous for his punitive stories ... (If you are curious to know more, look under the pinned comment - I wrote a lot in this comment section ^^')
I just learned this version of the story is from Roman mythology and not Greek mythology!
Medusa, once a beautiful mortal woman, was transformed into a Gorgon by the goddess Minerva (Roman equivalent of Athena) as punishment for being r_ped by Neptune (Roman equivalent of Poseidon) in Minerva's temple. As a Gorgon, Medusa's hair turned into snakes, and anyone who looked into her eyes would be turned to stone. She lived in isolation until the hero Perseus was sent to kill her, aided by gifts from the gods. Perseus successfully beheaded Medusa, using her head as a weapon to defeat his enemies, before giving it to Minerva to place on her shield.
I know.. it’s a tragic story
Well they never taught us THAT ONE in school 😫
Oh, that is a very important one for me, because here is a misunderstanding - it was Minerva, not Athéna.
That topic is one of my main focus and one of the main reason for creating a YT channel in the first place.
____
Athéna: The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Civilization
In Greek mythology, Athéna, also known as Athena, is the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare,
crafts, and civilization. She is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Metis, the Titaness of
wisdom. According to the myth, Zeus swallowed Metis while she was pregnant with Athéna,
fearing that their child would overthrow him.
However, Athéna later emerged fully grown and fully armed from Zeus's head, symbolizing her
divine birth and association with intellect and wisdom. She is often depicted wearing a helmet and
holding a shield, spear, or the winged goddess Nike.
Athéna is celebrated for her role as the protector of heroes and cities, including her patronage of
Athens, the capital of Greece. She aided Perseus, Odysseus, and Heracles in their quests, offering
wise counsel and assistance.
Throughout Greek mythology, Athéna is revered for her rationality, compassion, and strategic
prowess. She is known to favor diplomacy and peaceful resolutions whenever possible, and her
wisdom is sought after by gods and mortals alike.
Minerva: The Roman Goddess of Wisdom and War
In Roman mythology, Minerva is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Athéna and shares many of
her attributes. As the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and the arts, Minerva is associated with
knowledge, intellect, and civilization. She is considered the guardian of craftspeople and is often
depicted with a shield, spear, and owl, symbolizing wisdom.
However, in Ovid's work "Metamorphoses," Minerva is portrayed in a more complex light. While
she retains her role as a goddess of wisdom and civilization, Ovid emphasizes her vengeful nature
and actions of punishment.
For example, in the tale of Arachne, a talented mortal weaver who challenged Minerva's weaving
skills, the goddess transforms Arachne into a spider as retribution for her audacity. Similarly, in the
story of Medusa, a beautiful mortal woman whom Minerva accuses of desecrating her temple, the
goddess aids in her transformation into a gorgon, a monstrous creature with the power to turn
people to stone.
In these instances, Ovid's depiction of Minerva accentuates her punitive aspect, reflecting a more
assertive and avenging portrayal compared to her traditional role as a benevolent and wise deity.
The Contrast: Athéna's Benevolence vs. Minerva's Retribution - Ovid's Portrayal
In exploring the contrast between Athéna and Minerva, it is essential to delve into Ovid's portrayal
of the Roman goddess in "Metamorphoses." Ovid, a Roman poet, penned this epic work during the
reign of Augustus, a period marked by significant political and cultural changes in ancient Rome.
While Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is celebrated for its poetic brilliance and imaginative storytelling, it
has also faced criticism and controversy due to its portrayal of Minerva and other mythological
figures. In Ovid's rendition, Minerva takes on a more punitive and vengeful nature, which has
sparked debates among scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's retributive actions, such as transforming Arachne into a spider and
aiding in the transformation of Medusa into a gorgon, raises questions about the motivations behind
his artistic choices. Some scholars argue that Ovid's depiction of Minerva may have been influenced
by the political climate of his time, wherein the rule of Augustus encouraged societal harmony and
virtue.
In this context, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva as an avenging deity might have served as a cautionary
tale, warning against defiance and hubris, as well as a reminder of the consequences of disrupting
the established order. By emphasizing Minerva's punitive aspect, Ovid may have sought to reinforce
the idea of divine justice and the need for individuals to remain within societal boundaries.
However, it is important to note that Ovid's interpretation is just one perspective among many in the
vast tapestry of mythology. Critics argue that Ovid's portrayal does not align with traditional beliefs
and reverence for Minerva, which has led to debates about the accuracy and ethics of his artistic
liberties.
Moreover, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's vengeful nature can be seen as a reflection of his literary
style, wherein he often explored the complexities of human emotions and the darker aspects of
human nature. This focus on psychological depth and moral ambiguity is characteristic of Ovid's
works, which aim to challenge conventional perceptions and engage readers in thought-provoking
narratives.
In the modern context, it is essential to approach Ovid's depiction of Minerva with a critical lens,
recognizing the artistic license he took as a poet and the potential impact of his work on shaping
perceptions of mythological figures. As we examine Ovid's portrayal, we must also acknowledge
that mythological narratives have evolved over time and have been subject to various interpretations
and adaptations.
In conclusion, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva in "Metamorphoses" presents a divergent depiction from
the traditional attributes attributed to her in Roman mythology. His artistic choices and emphasis on
Minerva's punitive nature have sparked debates and criticism. As we navigate the world of
mythology, it is crucial to explore various sources and interpretations to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the rich and multifaceted nature of divine figures and their enduring legacy in
human imagination and understanding.
This channel is unbelievably cool
Oh noooooooo! That's history, but it's such sad history. 😔 I never thought I'd say this, but I'm sorry, Medusa, you were wronged in the most vile way & you never deserved it noooooooo matter what you did 😭🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍⚰️💀
*♡ Finally watched your long video 4 days late & I loved it. Tysm ♡*
You get punished for being beautiful
You get punished for being ugly
What a life Medusa had.
Explains our society.
No matter beautiful or ugly you are society will find a way to hurt you.
Heartbreaking
Victim blaming extraordinaire. 😢
Still happening now...
This is true for women. Men.. benefit on every level and pretend as if they don’t , only when they don’t get what they want from a woman.
Are you a chill dude
Or are you saying
"Chill dude"
What did it say before edit?
The fact that she was the victim and posed as the villain makes it even more sad
That was on purpose. Ovid wanted you to feel that way. Bc he wanted you to think of Athena as Augustus banning him for claiming that he had sex with his granddaughter, and how he felt like that wasn’t fair and an abuse of authority. He was a brilliant propagandist, I’ll give him that
Didn’t she killed people by just looking at them?
It's actually narcisist the story behind...but it's the same story over and over again just Open ur eyes and u will see... This place it doesnt shine as we think..theres another story about the moon...theres two moons the mother and the son, the mother takes her own son as her husband it's in the bible the part of Jhon and before that story they we're similar narratives but all of them starts with a jelausy woman...that representa the moon she doesnt like true woman...she is envy like atenea ...who represents Atenea? The moon.... The moon is the evil eye.
So... The moon represents narcisism, envy, jealosy, líes and the famous evil eye, witches (but the Bad ones) and more nasty things....
Like Amber Heard
@@kiriki4558 why on GODS BEAUTIFUL GREEN EARTH would someone think amber's the victim!! ??
Growing up I've realized that Medusa was never a villaîn. She was a víctim. Poor her and others like her. She maybe a mythology figure but i know all well how in many parts of the world women have to pay the price because their dignity was taken away from them. 💔
The real story of Medusa was different, the version of her victim of a rape wasn’t the original version.
@@fabiob3403The roman version is the real version. So is the greek version. And the greek version includes her being attacked by Poseidon. bruh, stop. Percy Jackson books are not lore accurate what so ever no matter how you want to believe.
@@RaccoonReclusebruh stop, no it doesn’t. In the original her and Poseidon had a consensual affair. Poseidon graped many women, Medusa was not one of them. Deal with it. Go obsess over Caeneus (although you’d probably like to retcon that one into a consensual affair so he can be your trans boy icon) or someone else. It’s weird that you’re obsessed over women for being raped and eternally punished for that anyway
@@RaccoonRecluse No, according to Hesiod's Theogony (ca. 8th century B.C.E.), the oldest version of the Medusa myth, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the sea god Phorcys and the sea-monster goddess Ceto. The three sisters, Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale, were born "beyond the framed Ocean, at the hard edge of the world, near Night, where are the clear-voiced Hesperides" (Theogony, 270). It was later reworked with the version of the aggression of Poseidon, in this version Medusa was the most devoted priestess of Athena (goddess of reason and ratiocination) but when she had to face the god Poseidon she fled and panicked, the goddess Athena then punished Medusa by transforming her into a Gorgon not because she was violated by Poseidon but because she, representative of the goddess Athena and of ratiocination, acted according to terror and instinct humiliating the goddess herself.
Ps. Who the f*** is Percy Jackson?
@@fabiob3403 percy jackson is a character from a book series written by rick riordan. they tell the story of a boy who finds out he is the child of a god, as well as other kids his age. they all go to a camp to train to fight a war that is going to happen between zeus, hades, poseidon, after percy is accused of having stolen zeus's lightning bolt (implying he was a pawn of another god who wanted to cause problems basically)
Her children were born after her beheading. Symbolic of her purity sacrificed, she gave birth to the first Pegasus. from the force union, she also birthed a venomous scorpion.
Well actually in the real Greek version, she wasn't violated and Athena cursed her and probably would have cursed Poseidon if she could have. I hate the Romans. They copy everything the Greeks do and change slight details. Fucking Romans. Just nock of Greeks.
Was she pregnant with Poseidon? If so that makes sense considering he created horses
As a child I thought she was a horrible monster, but now I see her as an innocent women who was violated and betrayed by others who assumed she was a nymph.
I think so , same
She had no choice
So you’re saying that nymphs are okay to r_pe.
Same as you.....
She was called a monster for something that she couldn't control she was a victim not the monster she deserved better
Ovid’s propaganda was real good wasn’t it? He wrote a poem about Emperor Augustus having sex with his granddaughter, and horrified and disgusted at the unfounded accusations of incestum, he banned Ovid from Rome. Ovid thought this wasn’t fair, so he wrote Metamorphosis, which retells the stories of the gods to make them into the villains, and the villains as victims, because he believed that was his situation.
@@drpigglesnuudelworte5209 lmao ovid was so dramatic for that
@@drpigglesnuudelworte5209Ovid, talk about the introduction of lying 🤢
She was called monster for what? What she couldn't control?
Okay, so I decided to be that person with a ridiculously long comment, in order to provide you guys with some explanations that are ment to clarify a lot of misinformation on the Internet:
1) In Hesiod's Theogony Medusa was always a gorgon, and Poseidon had consentual sex with her. Her first mention was in the Iliad, where her face appears on Agamemnon's aegis, because back then gorgons were the equivalent of gargoyles.
2) Medusa's tragic background story was a later addition by Ovid. Now, Ovid is already an overhated figure purely because of this addition, so I'm going to emphasize a lot of headcanons/interpretations that are spread as facts about this roman version, despite the fact that Ovid never wrote them: Medusa was never Athena's priestess, in fact she had a couple of suitors. Athena never "blessed" Medusa, she punished her for desecrating her temple and later helped Perseus to behead her. And Medusa wasn't "the most beautiful", she was just beautiful.
3) Initially Medusa and her sisters were supposed to be hideous, being depicted as "winged women with broad, round heads, serpentine locks of hair, large staring eyes, wide mouths, lolling tongues, the tusks of swine, flared nostrils, and sometimes short, coarse beards."
4) A lot of people who simpathize with Medusa tend to demonize Perseus purely because he killed her... despite the fact that at that time Perseus was only a teenager and had noble reasons. King Polydectes lusted for his mother, Danaë, but because Perseus was there to protect her he couldn't rape nor marry her. So he sent him to bring him Medusa's head as a wedding gift, in the hope that in this way he would die and he could be able to marry his mother. Later, Perseus turned back with her head and petrified him, thus killing his mother's assaulter.
5) This is just my personal opinion: it's way more compelling to challenge the audience by making them empathize with an actual ugly woman, rather than a conventionally attractive one. I've always seen Medusa depicted in the Media as a supermodel with a snake wig, despite the fact that she's supposed to be monstruos. On top of that, you can perceive Medusa as a tragic character even if you go by Hesiod's Theogony. The difference is that in this case it's not the tragedy of a rape victim, but the tragedy of the only daughter of two sea deities that wasn't born immortal (and by extension will be outlived by her entire family), and the tragedy of a mother who died before seeing or even giving birth to her children.
Don't worry - I got you. ^^'
I am that guy, who does this under almost all of her shorts. ^^
NO NO GENUINELY THANK YOU THIS COMMENT SHOULD BE PINNED TBH CUZ THE MISCONCEPTIONS AND THE FUCKED UP STANDARDS AROUND MEDUSA ARE JUST UGH (not saying its wrong to have her symbol be for victims not at all but i think it’s still important to acknowledge its a MODERN message attached to her)
@@hydexstudixs Your welcome. ☺
Glad to see others knowing about this as well.
I can't find my old books (in the middle remodeling) but I could have sworn I read that medusa symbols were used above entrances to houses for protection?
@ yeah they were but i think it was more similar to an evil eye thing like nazarbattus are for hindus, not really explicitly for women’s protection (unlike what tumblr believes respectfully)
It wasn’t a punishment. Athena knew she could not stop it from happening to Medusa again and again. She couldn’t always be there to protect her, and to wage war against Poseidon was not a small thing. Athena turned Medusa into a Gorgon to protect her. Medusa only turned men whose hearts were impure to stone. When they cut her head off the Pegasus flew out. Pegasus is her innocence and divinity that had been hidden inside of the monster.
The original Greek translations are much more beautiful than the patriarchal interpretations that were imposed upon them over the centuries.
The name Medusa comes from the Medhi. A tribe of woman who would capture men by incapacitating them with snake venom. There are a lot of Greek translations about the Medhi.
This painting and storytelling (as explained by the pinned comment from said creator of video, that it was based on the roman mythology not greek. I’m not familiar with the roman version that much but it’s a nice start to look into it
Athena also assisted in the murder of Medusa and she actively traduced her. Stop depicting Athena's actions as if she was just a gal helping another gal the best she can. That is not what happened.
I would like to, but no. You need to understand the context in which a story was first told. Ancient greek culture was very patriarchal, some cities like Athens even limited in great measure How much a woman could be on the street, con finding them to the inside of their father’s/husband’s home for most of their lives. You must understand that in greek mithology the cause of death, disease, hunger, etc were caused by the first woman and her curiosity (Pandora).
I would like that your interpretation was correct, but it’s simply not. She was a woman who was punished for being raped. Cruelty over cruelty.
This is wrong in so many ways. Although i agree that ovid's version of medusa was slightly influenced by politics of that time and the story varies in different versions of this tale but calling what athena did to Medusa a blessing is the most absurd thing imo. She did NOT only turn men with malicious intent into stones she turned every person who looked into her eyes into stone including her best friend.
Later athena also helped Perseus in killing Medusa calling it some kind of salvation which is again completely absurb.
Even tho this version isn't completely legit, I think this overall depicts the victim blaming culture perfectly. Medusa was blamed for being r*ped while the real culprit wasn't even questioned. Calling her curse a blessing is like saying isolation is the solution to prevent SA and r*pe..
One more thing is that no matter what version of this tale Medusa never meant to harm anyone but always met her cruel faith. Medusa deserved better!
@@lsthero5863this story isn’t Greek though. The Greek version of this story has Medusa born a gorgon with three gorgon sisters, but only she could turn people to stone. Poseidon thought she was sexy and was like “wanna bone?” And she was like “sure!” And they boned, consensually, NOT in Athena’s temple.
Then Ovid came around in the Roman Empire, and he wrote a poem involving Emperor Augustus fucking his granddaughter. When Augustus read it, after vomiting in his mouth, he banished Ovid. He is lucky he kept his life. Ovid thought banishment wasn’t fair, so he wrote Metamorphosis, which involves the gods being portrayed as irredeemable villains who do whatever they want to people for their own gain and the traditional villains were rewritten as victims.
That’s why I hate this version of the story. It’s propoganda, and I don’t even think Augustus fucked his granddaughter. I think Ovid just made it up bc he thought it was funny, then got offended that Augustus didn’t think it was funny. I don’t like Ovid because I know men who would do that exact same thing and they’re disgusting-they’re joke about sexually assaulting a woman then get up in arms over rape saying “men who do that are disgusting and irredeemable” and all I can think is “self report, much?”
Greek version Medusa looking at Roman version Medusa:
🐍🐍🐍
👁️👄👁️
"It was awful, what Poseidon did to us..."
"HNNGH BLOODLUST, MURDER."
This is why Ovid is the goat
hey that’s kinda funn- *turns into stone*
My favorite version of this myth states that Minerva transformed her into a Gorgon as a means of self-defense. Her beauty attracted the attention of evil men, so Minerva gave her the gift of killing them if they so much as looked at her.
Good.😎
Minerva also helped Perseus a lot when he was sent on the quest of killing Medusa. Double-Standards?
@@mursi2734. Interesting point! Perhaps she was trying to get Perseus killed…
@ That...doesnt really make sense? She gave him the advice which was the most important one, "don't look at her directly, use the reflection of the Shield so you won't be petrified" - and Perseus asked for the Help of the Gods and his father Zeus, Father of the Gods, sent down Hermes and Athena to aid his son. So not much of a reason for Athena to kill Perseus.
@@mursi2734. At the end of the day, Greek gods are horrible people. I find it’s best not to seek logic in their actions.
I have always thought that too. Like what was her crîme?? Being pretty? And she had to pay for it. She was graped by poseidon and she was "punîshed" for it.
Greek Mythology is pretty crazy when you think about.
@@Oblivionblade25It's Roman retelling, isn't it? In the Greek version she was born a Gorgon.
Roman or Greek mythology, Medusa suffers from injustice, SA, and mistreatment 😔
If I may (this is a very important topic):
The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
@@Theaphilius_Mythology_Channel source?
This story was not the original medusa myth but instead created by ovid as a way to critique the changing power structures of his time.
Medusa was gorgeous priestess, so she was forced by a God in a temple, cursed by another God for getting forced, and killed by a man who's later called a hero. There's no happy ending, in the end her getting killed was the best thing that could happen to her. It's just so sad, so helplessly messed up. Statues of Perseus holding up Medusa's severed head is the worst as it potrays violence and injustice.
More stories exist:
1. This one
2. She was born that way
3. Athena did that to protect her, since she couldn't fight Poseidon and now every man that will look at her will turn into stone.
People will say 2,3 are fake so if you are one of them you can just scroll
Exactly
I loved Medusa honestly, especially as an SA (thrice) survivor
She is a wonderful symbol!!!
Fun fact: Medusa as a legend was only able to exist because people thought our eyes were actively seeing as opposed to the passive light receptors that they actually are. Same reason why people think they can actually feel someone staring at them
It is evolution. The hairs standing on the back of your neck when someone stares is absolutely an evolutionary trait. It helped us when large predators were abound.
@@staleypharmaceuticals2071 you don’t know someone is looking at you. You may subconsciously detect them through another sense, but eyes don’t make feeling on things they look at.
@@youtubersdigest I said the hairs standing up were an evolutionary trait. I did not stare that you consciously know.
Medusa should had been protected if it weren't for Athena who's jealousy is why Medusa was graped, then turned into a monster and finally kílled.
One of the best books I've read about Medusa is called Medusa by Natalie Haynes. It gave me a whole new perspective on what life might have been like for Medusa. I wept for her as I read the book and I have to say it is the best I have read so far. But maybe we should also think about how many "Medusas" we know who are treated like this and need to be seen and heard for a fair chance in life..... There are other books centred on Medusa, but try Natalie Haynes book, it really is a great read
It's amazing metaphor that either stirs up "other"ing or it pricks your heart for her. Back in the day, the violated woman was a villain, while her violator was still a revered god. Today, I'm happy to say that I see mostly sympathetic stories or feelings. We're sorry for her and her fate. We're displeased that she was so abused by both men and society.
Twitter once banned me for having this as my banner.
Greek Medusa was born a monster. Her being transformed was a Roman retcon of a Greek myth by Ovid. Ovid had serious beef with authority, because they punished him for being quite naughty.
The story of Medusa that I heard:
Okay so basically Medusa was one of the most beautiful woman in the world and she was of course a mortal not a god. Poseidon and Medusa were in Athena’s temple and when Poseidon r_ped her. Instead of Athena punishing Poseidon, she decided to punish Medusa for what he did. She made her ugly and terrifying with snakes that would turn you into stone even if you looked so no one could ever love her again. No one could even look at her. This story is very sad and unfair, Poseidon a literal god r_ped a mortal of course for his pleasure. There is a more detailed explanation in the pinned comment written by Mae herself!
Athena was for real such a hater and high key misogynist.
Please have a look at the pinnend comment - I have written a few lines about this; you seem to misunderstand a key thing.
The writer of this version is really doing their work into making people believe it is the true and only real one. But i do love the story itself, as its more interesting than simply some born-thing that Medusa had
There are lots of versions of the story. Not any one of them are alone in that
Because that is such an important topic for me, I will even try to write this comment with my second channel (hoping, that YT will not delete this comment … again):
Oh, that is a very important one for me, because here is a misunderstanding - it was Minerva, not Athéna. That topic is one of my main focus and one of the main reason for creating a YT channel in the first place. __ Athéna: The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Civilization In Greek mythology, Athéna, also known as Athena, is the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, crafts, and civilization. She is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Metis, the Titaness of wisdom. According to the myth, Zeus swallowed Metis while she was pregnant with Athéna, fearing that their child would overthrow him. However, Athéna later emerged fully grown and fully armed from Zeus's head, symbolizing her divine birth and association with intellect and wisdom. She is often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a shield, spear, or the winged goddess Nike. Athéna is celebrated for her role as the protector of heroes and cities, including her patronage of Athens, the capital of Greece. She aided Perseus, Odysseus, and Heracles in their quests, offering wise counsel and assistance. Throughout Greek mythology, Athéna is revered for her rationality, compassion, and strategic prowess. She is known to favor diplomacy and peaceful resolutions whenever possible, and her wisdom is sought after by gods and mortals alike. Minerva: The Roman Goddess of Wisdom and War In Roman mythology, Minerva is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Athéna and shares many of her attributes. As the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and the arts, Minerva is associated with knowledge, intellect, and civilization. She is considered the guardian of craftspeople and is often depicted with a shield, spear, and owl, symbolizing wisdom. However, in Ovid's work "Metamorphoses," Minerva is portrayed in a more complex light. While she retains her role as a goddess of wisdom and civilization, Ovid emphasizes her vengeful nature and actions of punishment. For example, in the tale of Arachne, a talented mortal weaver who challenged Minerva's weaving skills, the goddess transforms Arachne into a spider as retribution for her audacity. Similarly, in the story of Medusa, a beautiful mortal woman whom Minerva accuses of desecrating her temple, the goddess aids in her transformation into a gorgon, a monstrous creature with the power to turn people to stone. In these instances, Ovid's depiction of Minerva accentuates her punitive aspect, reflecting a more assertive and avenging portrayal compared to her traditional role as a benevolent and wise deity. The Contrast: Athéna's Benevolence vs. Minerva's Retribution - Ovid's Portrayal In exploring the contrast between Athéna and Minerva, it is essential to delve into Ovid's portrayal of the Roman goddess in "Metamorphoses." Ovid, a Roman poet, penned this epic work during the reign of Augustus, a period marked by significant political and cultural changes in ancient Rome. While Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is celebrated for its poetic brilliance and imaginative storytelling, it has also faced criticism and controversy due to its portrayal of Minerva and other mythological figures. In Ovid's rendition, Minerva takes on a more punitive and vengeful nature, which has sparked debates among scholars and enthusiasts alike. Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's retributive actions, such as transforming Arachne into a spider and aiding in the transformation of Medusa into a gorgon, raises questions about the motivations behind his artistic choices. Some scholars argue that Ovid's depiction of Minerva may have been influenced by the political climate of his time, wherein the rule of Augustus encouraged societal harmony and virtue. In this context, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva as an avenging deity might have served as a cautionary tale, warning against defiance and hubris, as well as a reminder of the consequences of disrupting the established order. By emphasizing Minerva's punitive aspect, Ovid may have sought to reinforce the idea of divine justice and the need for individuals to remain within societal boundaries. However, it is important to note that Ovid's interpretation is just one perspective among many in the vast tapestry of mythology. Critics argue that Ovid's portrayal does not align with traditional beliefs and reverence for Minerva, which has led to debates about the accuracy and ethics of his artistic liberties. Moreover, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva's vengeful nature can be seen as a reflection of his literary style, wherein he often explored the complexities of human emotions and the darker aspects of human nature. This focus on psychological depth and moral ambiguity is characteristic of Ovid's works, which aim to challenge conventional perceptions and engage readers in thought-provoking narratives. In the modern context, it is essential to approach Ovid's depiction of Minerva with a critical lens, recognizing the artistic license he took as a poet and the potential impact of his work on shaping perceptions of mythological figures. As we examine Ovid's portrayal, we must also acknowledge that mythological narratives have evolved over time and have been subject to various interpretations and adaptations. In conclusion, Ovid's portrayal of Minerva in "Metamorphoses" presents a divergent depiction from the traditional attributes attributed to her in Roman mythology. His artistic choices and emphasis on Minerva's punitive nature have sparked debates and criticism. As we navigate the world of mythology, it is crucial to explore various sources and interpretations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich and multifaceted nature of divine figures and their enduring legacy in human imagination and understanding.
I'm happy someone spoke up about this!
This is very interesting. I was not aware of these differences between the Greek and Roman portrayal of the goddess.
@@HistorybyMae Glad I could help with that. :)
Edit: Thank you Mae
Victim blaming is an atrocity
As a kidI dressed up as Athena for Halloween one year, once learning more, I've forever been entranced by Medusa.
Yall, just a friendly reminder: this was Ovid's interpretation of Medusa. There is no "official" or "canon" or even "linear" state to any Greek mythological tales. They changed and adapted with the ages, and often reflected that periods culture, history, and temperament towards things going on, and were often time reflective of their authors intent, too. Ovid, for example, was a propagandist who hoped to leverage his personal feelings/attacks towards Athena with this tale (highly recommend people look into it). Ovid's Medusa was not the first telling of her, some depict her and her sisters as having been born that way, and it was not the last. Some have expanded on Ovid's interpretation, instead making Athena look more benevolent (making Medusa look the way she did to protect her from fuether assault). Which could be considered as pushing more propaganda. But no tale is wrong or right. Indeed, most of their history was actually oral. There is a massive chance none of us will ever behold the first tales, the "original" ones. But thats not important. Greek Myth is abstract and ever-changing, it is not monotheism with a nice clean cut linear.
Is the moral to seek the blessing in all situations? To be careful where you seek help? Could it even just be a warning to live your life rather than allowing another to write your story? The painting is as cold and harsh as the events unfolded. Even the light seems as if it would freeze one in contorted pain. Thank you for another wonderful video Ms. Mar✨
Please be careful with this one - since you have seen a few of my journeys; this is one of the most important for me, because here is a deep misconception - the very reason for my channel is this misconception. There are two things to consider:
First - It was Minerva (and not Athéna)
Second: The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
@Theaphilius_Mythology_Channel This is precisely why the first question is posed. Many tend to approach things as negatives without weighing the possibilities. I also posed the question should we always be clear on where we seek assistance? All due respect I venture only to the philosophical in my comment this morning, blessings 🌞✨
The Moral is that the 'powers that be' suck, Ovid wrote it while in contempt of Roman politics at the time
@BongBing11 Is this the only way you can see the story though? It doesn't reach any part of you personally? Curious 🌞✨
@@MGMG-lc2fe I'm moreso speaking on what the author meant instead of what appealed to myself personally
Id heard an alternative myth that Athena didnt turn her into a gorgon as pubishment but rather to protect her from any man who would come to hurt her again. As a woman whos been wounded Medusa wouldve cherished the space to heal and the strength in her new form to fend off any nost person. But as all myths go theres always a hero come to slay the beast and she at least found form as a shield to protect rather than a weapon to hurt. She would forever adorn the goddess' shield in protection
Medusa was known as one of the most beautiful women, and she was a strong believer or Athena. Medusa made offerings, praised, prayed, but she never got an answer. One day, Poseidon confessed his love for Medusa, and it left Athena outraged. Athena, in an act of embarrassment, cursed Medusa
Her story is devastating. She deserved better.
There are two things to consider:
First - It was Minerva (and not Athéna)
Second: The punitive aspect was later interpreted (due to political turmoil at that time) - the metamorphosis was originally meant as protection (so that no-one could ever harm Medousa again; that she can defend herself); but after seeing what pain it brought her (isolation), she was being freed and sent to the afterlife ...
The creator of the video stated in their pinned comment that the painting and storytelling was based on the Roman mythology revolving around Medusa’s story and Minerva was mentioned not Athena. But thank you for sharing for information on this! Will look into their story more and learn more as well ☺️
@@ev14lyn I was the one who wrote this to her in the first place. ☺
(but thank you for your comment)
What’s wild is that compared to greece on that same time, rome could be seen as a Bastion of women’s rights. Specially If you compare them to cities like Athens
@@lsthero5863 That is true ... but if I am not mistaken, no culture (at least that I am aware off), was stronger in that regard than Ancient Egypt - please correct me if I am wrong - I know that in Assyria there was at least one Queen (Shamuramat/Semiramis
I refuse to read into the whole 'oh actually it was meant as a protection' twist that many seem to want to believe in. No, it was a cruel story and no, it was never about giving her an ability to protect herself. If it was, why is her death celebrated, the one who takes off her head seen as a hero rather than a villain?
The twist is nice for a modern version of the story but it has to be explicitly stated as such rather than reading nonexistent things into the old original one. It would be a disservice otherwise.
The Perseus myth predates the Poseidon-Medusa one. Originally she was born a monster.
You seem to confuse two stories. There is a Roman version (in which her death is not celebrated - in this version, there is the 'punishment' you speak of; then there is the Greek version, where Medousa always had been a Gorgon (and her death is being celebrated).
It is important to know the distinction.
Oh how tragic....she deserves more then that....the look in her..eyes
This channel should be receiving some kind of distinguished awards! Easily one of my favorites now.
It was just a rumor spreaded by romans to eradicate the worship of greek goddesses especially athena to show her as villain. After the introduction of Christianity, it became true
i heard a version somewhere that Minerva cursed her so no man could lay hands on her again. I choose to remember this one because its wayyy more comforting than the actual story
One of the best things about your videos is that a video of you before the paintings FEELS like a painting
Btw for those who dont know the story of medusa was that she was sexually vilotated and athena saw this i changed her into a gorgan so no man will ever harm her again ❤
Another way of looking at it is that Athena didn’t mean it as a punishment but as a way where she would never be messed with again. Ik that’s not original intent but 🤷♀️
Wow, that speaks volumes❤
E ela foi punida por ser violada... isso acontece frequentemente em qualquer sociedade machista, a vitima sempre é culpada.
With her Eyes peering down like that you can see the way the artist captured her last moment in this painting. She accidentally glimpsed her own reflection during the battle which transformed her to stone Instantaneously! So she had no chance to look back up!!
Athena gave her divine gifts to mortal men…but never to women. She’s the main goddess responsible for helping Perseus reach and behead Medusa, even though Medusa ultimately had done nothing wrong.
Please have a look at the pinned comment - I am afraid there is a misunderstanding; it was Minerva and not Athéna ...
Medusa in Greek means "jellyfish". You can easily understand how Medusa has "snakes as hair" (tentacles) and when men stared at her they "froze" (they were grossed out).
Medusa is now a symbol for those of us who have survived sexual violence
Its really sad medusa wasnt immortal like her sister's no one ever cared to visit her unless they wanted her head
Medusa is my hero
I always hate it when people use Ovid's Metamorphosis as a source for what Ancient Greeks believed
You are not alone with this - as you can see, I have written dozens of comments in this comment section - trying to explain this misunderstanding/misconception. :)
i like how some random salamander/lizard is just sitting there
And the mythology and lore of Medusa being violated by Poseidon was nothing more than Greek fan fiction written by a famous writer in those ancient times but due to history and folk tales people assume it was part of the original legend and her origins.
Minerva did her dirty ☠️
Mythology was always so close to my heart. When I was a child I read every book I could find. My mother would take be to different libraries
It was a terribly unjust punishment… but it also made her powerful. No one could violate her again, they could not even meet her eyes lest they be turned to stone. It made her an emblem of protection and strength, particularly for women, and I think that is the legacy that should be remembered. :)
Imagine a myth that the romans didn't completely bastardize from the greeks lmaooo.
I grew up with the Norse gods so when developing into my pantheon studies it was easy to get into Greek and Roman. The phycology of the gods are numerous and inhuman. Divinity was never bound by humanity.
Medusa was a steadfast maiden to her temple and fell punished under the truth of her patran goddess.
I can see the artist that painted that Rickard frame in the elden ring intro taking inspiration from this painting
"Athena cursed Medusa just because she deemed her suddenly impure
Athena cursed Medusa just to spite Poseidon and settle her scores
Poseidon didn't learn a thing, in fact I'm not so sure he even cared
So Athena cursed Medusa to a life of taking snakes within her hair"
- FEMININE RAGE by PEGGY
Medusa counts as a monster, but she is still very much a victim. She was violated, then isolated, and then eventually killed to be used as a weapon. It’s sad to know that these things are sort of normalized in Greek and(maybe Roman) mythology. (I don’t know much abt Roman mythology and stories so-)
Medusa's story makes me so sad
I remember I had a school play about Greek mythology and I was picked to be Medusa and when I read the scripts it said at the end someone had to behead me and take my head to someone else for sm,
These themes haven't changed all that much now a days, look at the amount of blaming and shaming victims of r8p endure whether they are male or female :(
On one hand, Athena punished Medusa for being violated in Athena's temple *AND* being a temple maid of Athena.
Now doesnt that sound like a man writing the story, what woman in their right mind would get mad at another woman *for being violated* let alone an all knowing goddess who knows her uncle is grapist just like the rest of her male relatives.
The second ideration is much better. That Athena didnt punish Medusa by turning her into a gorgon, she saved her. Medusa promised to stay pure forever for Athena, she had no plans in physicslly mingling with men. So to honor Medusa's dedication to her goddess (bc even after turning into a gorgon she STILL worshipped Athena) Athena gave Medusa a power to turn anyone who looks at her to stone. Now imagine if she had that before the sea god took her for himself. She would worship athena forever in peace. No one would s.a medusa again, but instead, decapitate her.
Got you covered - have a look around in this comment section - you will see a lot of my comments all over the place (underneath the pinned comment is my main comment to this topic - this topic is very important for me - if you read my comments you will see why. :)
It should be noted that this is one of the many versions of the myth. It is the most recent and the one with the feminist point. The others portray Medusa as being in love with Poseidon or at least willing to sleep with him. I'm not saying this to take credit away from her or anything. Also, in the feminist version, either Athena turns her into a monster out of anger or she turns her into a monster to protect her from others like Poseidon. There will never be just one version and none is the "true" one.
The story isn’t even canon in Roman mythology. Yes Roman, since it was written by a Roman poet named Ovid who didn’t really believed in the myths. It was a critique on the government Medusa being the people and Neptune and Minerva being the government (not Poseidon or Athena). Medusa was born a gorgon and at the time they were depicted as ugly. Unfortunately this “myth” is popular and overshadowed the original myth that Medusa was born a gorgon.
I got you covered - have a look around in this comment section; you will find a lot of my comments all over the place, adressing exactly that (and giving historical background as well)
She truly is the misunderstood mistress
It's unfortunate that the fanfiction of Ovid becomes canon and slanders the Gods.
Already on this - have a look around in this comment section - you will see a lot of my comments. :)
According to Greco-Roman myth, Athena either punished Medusa because she was forbidden to attack Poseidon, the violator, or cursed her to protect her from the lusts of men.
The former in Ovid's retelling, but in the original she was born that way
I don't know why but I find Medusa beautiful even in that Gorgon form
Man, I just loveee Zeussss
I despise him.
Violated for being too beautiful, killed for being too ugly-women can’t win.
Moral of the story: Stay away from people
There are three different tellings of her backstory, this is probably my least favorite because she didn't deserve anything that happened to her and the author who wrote it sucks. I feel so bad for her she didn't deserve any of that 😢
All blame goes to Poseidon 🌊🌊
Medusa is real
Medusa survives
MEDUSA TATTOO
I noticed the Fravashi behind you, are you persian or Zoroastrian?
Wasnt Medusa part of the three gorgan sisters though?
Yes, Hesiod (famous for the Theogony):
Stheno (the Mighty or Strong), Euryale (the Far Springer) and Medusa (the Queen),
But while Medousa was mortal, her two sisters (who also could turn ppl to stone) where immortal.
i was so confused seeing all the modern takes on medusa because when i initially read her myth a long time ago, she was never a beautiful woman. she was just a gorgon, a monster. it was still messed up though because from what i remember, she just chilled with her sisters until perseus came along and beheaded her.
Same! Its crazy how much your perception of a story's characters changes as we age. Plus, while it is sad that Medusa was ultimately killed even after her tragedy, at least her death allowed for another woman to escape being violated (Perseus's mother).
You are right - the story you know is the Greek version, this version (depicted in this short) is the Roman version (written by Ovid).
correct me if i'm wrong, but do you mean the woman who was offered as sacrifice to the sea beast whom perseus decided to save?
@bunneechan_ I meant Danaë, Perseus's mother who was most likely going to get forced into marrying Polydectes if Perseus didn't kill him with Medusa's head.
@anandhunair9764 ah my bad i forgot she was his mom. i almost thought she was a whole other story.
There’s a great book about Medusa by Natalie Haynes called “Stone blind”
Anyone who looked at her with judgment eyes turns to stone. Only one looked at her with love and it healed her.
Eh, what? You mean by killing her and putting an end to her misery? You know the story, right?
I’ve heard of this story in school 4 years ago
Women being punished for men’s lust is so ingrained in us that it’s in our mythology.
This is said, but I like the black and yellow lizard or geckos, who are just happy to be there
One of the worst things I hated ‘bout Athena/Minerva…
It was never medusas fault
The version I grew up knowing was that she was a beautiful woman that became so consumed with her beauty, vainity and narrcicism, that her beauty was taken from her and she was turned to an ugly snake headed monster as a punishment.
They did her dirty. I mean dayummmm...😦
It deppends on the version, some versions say it was consensual, others (modern ones, that must be said) intèrpret that She transformed her so no other man could hurt her again… But knowing greek mythology and How patriarchal it was, it’s most likely it was a punishment to a woman who’s only crime was to be raped.
The 'punishment' only occurred in the Roman version, not in the Greek version - in the Greek version Medousa always was a Gorgon ...
That narrative that it was a punishment was from a mans perspective allegedly.
The alternate version of the story is that athena turned Medusa into a gorgon so that she could petrify any man into a statue and never be at risk of being assaulted again.
Persophone... Medusa.... Why are so many of the "monsters" of mythology always turn out to be the ones in the right or with a rational cause.
When legends are similar Christian scholars are told to look for repeating specific details to find the original.
Ignore the "once upon a time" and look for "Noah was 600 years, 2 months and 17 days old when...".
The only reason I know what happened is from Percy Jackson 😂
good job
Can you tell me what music you used?
If you choose the version were she is a monster then she was never a victim. If you choose to make Athena the monster then you make Medusa a victim. I choose to look at it all as simple fiction.
Madusa actually was a victim of sexual assault (i think)
Even when I first read the story i felt bad for her. The 'gods' were just assholes
She was violated in the temple of Athena (I think), then punished for it 😟. Similar to Arachne (spelling?)
It was the temple of Minerva (not Athéna); and she was not punished for it, she got transformed (metamorphed) for protection (which caused Medousa to suffer from isolation - so she was 'freed' from this 'curse' (by sending her to the Afterlife)).
Keep in mind, that is the Roman version of this - there is also a Greek version of the story (the original story was quiet different - here Medousa always had been a Gorgon and was a thread to humanity - hence her beheading).
The Ἀράχνη, [Aráchnē] story is also from the same author - Ovid; it is also a Roman story and not a Greek story; and here again, Minerva did not punish Ἀράχνη, but transformed her to a 'creature' who can weave much better (not only because of more arms to do so, but also with the ability to create the material for herself - but over time those stories seemed to be interpreted as punishments (rather than 'weird' blessings - mostly because Ovid had some problems with the political climate at his time and is famous for his punitive stories ...
(If you are curious to know more, look under the pinned comment - I wrote a lot in this comment section ^^')