![]() She is the opposite of what Michael Foucault called, “ docile bodies.” A concept in which women are expected to conform and submit to the enforced codes and structures of a patriarchal society. As we’ve mentioned, the myth of Medusa can be interpreted in various ways, but I think perhaps the most fascinating analysis is done through a feminist perspective because it unveils just how swift we are to circumvent female rage.ĭespite her origin story being one of purity and renowned beauty, Medusa has come to connote only malevolence and her role as a gorgon, or mythical monster. From her severed neck, her child Pegasus is born. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Medusa’s story is that she was pregnant with Poseidon’s child when she was killed. Without the support of the gods, he would have been petrified like every other warrior. It is only with help from all of the gods that Perseus is able to not only kill but fully decapitate her. Many warriors are sent to kill her, including Perseus. In order to punish her, Athena curses Medusa by replacing her beautiful hair with a head of venomous snakes and making it so anyone who looks into her eyes will be turned to stone.Īt this point, Medusa’s head became a desired trophy for many warriors who wanted to brave her fierce monster-like powers. When Athena discovers that Posidon has raped Medusa, she chooses to blame her rather than him. Athena is one of Poseidon’s sworn enemies, and through raping her sister, he is able to take power from her. Although Athena had the power to prevent this, she chooses not to. Eventually, Medusa attracts the attention of Poseidon, who subsequently rapes her. Athena grows jealous, as many men flock to her, only to glance at Medusa instead. She becomes a priestess to her sister Athena and vows to her sister to remain pure. Medusa was one of three daughters - born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. In order to unpack the feminist implication of the mythology, let’s begin with the narrative of her story. The story of Medusa continues to provoke renewed perspectives on its symbolism - including through the lens of feminism and psychoanalysis.įrom a feminist perspective, Medusa’s story seems a cautionary tale of the symbolic decapitation of women and a loss of one’s power. Often times, this has allowed us to garner some sort of fable-like lesson from the stories of the Illiad or Metamorphoses. The stories of ancient Greek and Roman mythology have, over the years, been rediscovered, repurposed, and reinterpreted in more modern contexts. ![]() All is restored to its rightful state.Detail from Medusa by Antonio Canova, 1804–06, via The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York He returns the magical items he borrowed, and gives Medusa's head to Athena. Perseus saves his mother, and his journey is concluded. Perseus kills Polydectes, using Medusa's head to turn him into stone. ![]() When Perseus arrives home, he confronts King Polydectes, who's been trying to force Danae to marry him. On the way, he rescues a princess, Andromeda, from a sea dragon. Perseus flies back home with Medusa's head. Two Gorgons chase him, but Perseus escapes with the help of the helmet of invisibility. ![]() When Perseus reaches the Gorgons' lair, he has reached the point of no return. The pressure of the task forces Perseus to blackmail the Graeae into telling him how to find the Hesperides. The two gods often give him advice along the way. Perseus does not want to leave his mother, but he must keep his word.Īthena and Hermes guide Perseus to the home of the Graeae. Athena offers Perseus some knowledge on how to defeat Medusa: anyone who looks directly at Medusa turns to stone, so Athena tells Perseus to only look at the monster in the reflection of his shield. Perseus receives several other items from the gods, such as Hermes' winged sandals, Hades' helmet of invisibility, and a reflective shield. ![]() Having done so, they give Perseus a magic bag that can safely carry Medusa's head. Perseus' first task is finding The Hesperides. It is an impossible task that will almost certainly get Perseus killed. King Polydectes tricks Perseus into promising to bring back the head of Medusa, one of the dreaded Gorgons. Polydectes, the king of Seriphus, wishes to marry Danae, and plots to get rid of Perseus because he may object. The story begins on the island of Seriphus, the home of Perseus and his mother, Danae. ![]()
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