Medusa And Perseus, A Myth About Salvation Through Art

The myth of Medusa and Perseus is, for many, a metaphor for horror and how it is possible to save oneself from it through art. For others, it represents a female myth, in which the outraged woman turns into something monstrous. A dangerous image that frightens and frightens anyone who beholds it.

There are several versions of the Medusa and Perseus myth. However, the most classic tells that both had a tragic origin.

Medusa was one of the three gorgons, all daughters of Forces and Ceto. Of the three, Medusa was the most beautiful daughter and also the only mortal. Her beauty was so great that aroused admiration between gods and men.

It is said that Poseidon was so fascinated that he raped her on the marble in the temple of Athena. This goddess did not tolerate such desecration and so turned Medusa into a horrible monster, as were her sisters. He gave her metallic hands and sharp fangs.

Medusa’s beautiful hair was turned into snakes. In addition, it also received eyes that emitted a terrible light. Since then, everyone who looked her in the eye would be turned to stone.

After that, she was exiled to the confines of the living world. Medusa was pregnant. From that moment on, he transformed himself into one of the most feared monsters.

The Origin of Perseus

The myth of Medusa and Perseus tells that the king of Argos learned from an oracle that his daughter’s son would kill him. To prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy, he locked his daughter Danae in an airtight bronze chamber that was placed underground.

However, Zeus was in love with her. He impregnated her by transforming himself into a shower of gold that penetrated the chamber.

Later, Perseus was born. Her crying alerted her grandfather to the event. The king then decided to lock Danae and Perseus in a wooden chest and throw it overboard. The two were rescued on an island.

Perseus grew up to be a beautiful young man. There was a suitor who wanted to be with his mother. So, Perseus pledged to kill Medusa as a means of preventing this happening.

Athena, who already had an old grudge with Medusa, offered to help him, along with Hermes. They guided him to go to the Greias, who were three prophetic elders and relatives of Medusa. Together, the three had only one eye and one tooth.

Perseus took advantage of an oversight and seized the eye and the tooth. In order for him to return them, they would have to lead the way to the Nymphs.

The Powers of Perseus

The myth of Medusa and Perseus tells that when the brave young man arrived where the nymphs were, they presented him with winged sandals so that he could fly through the air.

He was also given Hades’ helmet, which was made of dog fur. Whoever wore it would be invisible. Finally, they gave him a bag. Hermes, in turn, gave him a sharp scythe and a glowing shield.

Thus armed, Perseus went to fetch the gorgons. On his way, he found stone statues. They were the bodies of those who had come this far and had looked Medusa in the face. He understood, then, that he should be careful and, therefore, he waited for the right moment.

Once the gorgons slept, Perseus positioned his glowing shield so that it reflected Medusa’s face. So he avoided looking her in the face. Then he took the scythe and, with just one blow, ripped its head off.

From her body came the horse Pegasus and Chrysaor, a giant. It was the children she was carrying.

The Beautiful Myth of Medusa and Perseus

According to the myth of Medusa and Perseus, the young hero has since used Medusa’s head to defeat his enemies. Despite everything, the head has not lost its power.

He put her in the bag he had taken and, thanks to her, he was able to face monsters and enemies. He just pulled Medusa’s skull, and when others saw him, they were turned to stone.

They say that the myth of Medusa and Perseus is symbolically related to art. In particular, the shield of Perseus represents a way to face horror indirectly. That’s what art does: it reflects. It allows us to look in the mirror, but at the same time, prevent it from paralyzing us with terror.

Furthermore, Medusa’s head became Perseus’ main weapon, which can also be seen symbolically. It is with art that we are able to face these demons and internal enemies that haunt us. Medusa’s head would be the work, the result, the product of creation.