Facts about Medusa and the Gorgons
- 06
Athena is credited in some mythological traditions with placing Medusa's image on her aegis, the divine shield or breastplate she bore in battle.
- 05
Ancient Greeks associated Medusa with the concept of apotropaic magic, and her image was placed on armor, coins, and city gates to ward off evil.
- 04
In ancient Greek art, Gorgons like Medusa were frequently depicted with a grotesque, apotropaic face called a Gorgoneion, used as a protective symbol on shields and temples.
- 03
From Medusa's severed neck, the winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor were said to have sprung forth at the moment of her death.
- 02
Perseus slew Medusa by viewing her reflection in his polished shield to avoid her petrifying gaze, then used her severed head as a weapon.
- 01
The three Gorgons of Greek mythology—Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale—were sisters, with only Medusa being mortal.