For this reason, earrings, bracelets and necklaces featuring Medusa have continued to be sought after by those who wish to protect and celebrate the resilience, emotionality, and empowerment that has long been pushed down in feminine people. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Engraged, Athena, unable to punish Poseidon, banished Medusa to an island and cursed her to have snakes for hair and a face so revolting it would turn the onlooker to stone. She was imported into Greece as one of the Gorgons, daughter of Phorcus and his sister Ceto. - Alfredo Alvarez, student @ Miami University, We use cookies to provide the best possible experience on our site. I mostly just say that, although Herodotos does say that Medusa lived in North Africa, there's nothing to indicate that she was originally an African goddess and the story of Medusa was most likely made up by Greeks.The main thing that my answer adds to what you've said here is that I actually address the claim about the dreadlocks by pointing out that the earliest surviving depictions of Medusa, including the famous Kykladic pithos from the early seventh century BCE that depicts her with the lower body of a four-legged horse, don't seem to depict her with snakes for hair. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available from thestaff@tvtropes.org. She was one of three sisters, all known as creatures named Gorgons. Other gods played an indirect role in the heros victory. Because they were immortal, Perseus had to flee from them instead of fight. French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Libya, Martinique, New Caledonia, Reunion, Russian Federation, Singapore, Ukraine, Herodotus gives us valuable data, but hes no authority in interpreting the data. A German folk belief, documented as late as the eighteenth century, suggests that if a menstruating womans hair is buried in Earth, it will become a snake. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair The assistance of Athena helped many heroes accomplish their goals. In Statius' version, the monster had a woman's face and breasts, and a hissing snake protruding from the cleft of her rusty-colored forehead, and it would slide into children's bedrooms to snatch them. [50] The word play is also seen as being employed in Horace's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius Lamia the praetor. For the descriptions and nature of the Lamia, Keats drew from Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy. [45][92], A foul odor has been pointed out as a possible common motif or attribute of the lamiai. The fact that Medusa lived alongside two sisters is also notable in her interpretation as a monster. [3] Modern scholarship reconstructs a Proto-Indo-European stem *lem-, "nocturnal spirit", whence also comes lemures. Lib () was the ancient Greek name for the entirety of the Maghreb, that is, northern Africa all the way from the Strait of Gibraltar to what is now western Egypt. Some believed that Africa became the home to many varieties of snakes as Medusa wandered the continent and shed them from her hair. Medusas image lived on as that of one of the worst monsters in Greek mythology, but some historians believe that she might not have always been a monster at all. Algol, usually considered a star of ill-fortune, is traditionally perceived as representing Medusas eye. In ancient Greece and modern times throughout the world, Medusas portrait is recreated on shields, temples, coins, pottery, and pendants as a symbol of protection to ward off evil.. There are traditions built around Avalon and Arthurian literature. Alternatively she desired Medusas power. These monsters had a woman's torso, the lower extremities of a snake, and beastly hands. Nowadays Siwa is mostly Berber. Priests and priestesses would wear images of their deities or monsters from their myths to take on the spirit of the deity. The sisters For this Athena punished her hideously. Before the girls are set fighting, the whole people choose the fairest maid, and arm her with a Korinthian (Corinthian) helmet and Greek panoply, to be then mounted on a chariot and drawn all along the lake shore. Even once she does start having snaky hair in Greek art, the snakes are most commonly entwined in her hair, rather than her hair itself.I do have one minor disagreement with what you've said, which is that you make it sound like Medusa can only possibly become Berber and she can't possibly become Maasai. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. Moon (many, including Orpheus disciples, have seen Medusas face in the moon). The TImeoroi were perhaps Naiad-nymphs of the fresh-water springs of the region. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Add gift options or sustainable packaging, Free shipping on $150+ & free returns on all U.S. orders. The technical term for the image of Medusas severed head is gorgoneion. A slightly different version of the second origin is that Medusa was willingly seduced by Poseidon rather than raped. Medusa, to me, is the monstrous version of a heroic mortal. Kibin does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the essays in the library; essay content should not be construed as advice. Since this is a trope about a mythological creature, see the trope description above for the most common versions of the mythology. She was imported into Greece as one of the Gorgons, daughter of Phorcus and his sister Ceto. (Herod. In this origin, the Gorgons are typically three sisters, the other two being Stheno and Euryale. They're not intended to be submitted as your own work, so we don't waste time removing every error. Really the whole idea of the African medusa figure is based off of a single historian, Martin Bernel, and his work Black Athena, which posits that the Goddess Athena, as well as the entirety of Greek language and culture are derived from African roots rather than Indo-European roots, as well as The mythical gorgon Medusa. WebIt is unlikely, though, that Medusa was ever an African goddess, since we have no evidence that any goddess resembling Medusa was worshipped in North Africa before Medusa in Libya Medusa is a powerful symbol today, as powerful as ever whether you imagine her as the monstrous demon of early Greek art, the beautiful She also resembles Polyphe the Okeanis mother of Athena by Poseidon, and the goddess Amphitrite. Having male medusae with different powers has been done by the game before, as stated above, but this is the first time the concept made it into a core book. Zeus gave Lamia the power of prophecy and the ability to take out and reinsert her eyes, possibly because she was cursed by Hera with insomnia or because she could no longer close her eyes, so that she was forced to always obsess over her lost children.[1]. They are not strictly speaking "witches", but they are referred to as such by convention. There was a myth at nearby Antaeopolis that Horus made a pair of sandals from the hide of Seth; Perseus flying sandals would have made an obvious parallel. The poets stated that she Athena is a goddess of crafts but not just any crafts. "), "The Views on Medusa Goddess in Mythology." If you feel called to her, though, I'd suggest you follow your instincts. The Cyprias island of Sarpedon may be purely imaginary though I do wonder if it may reflect a very early awareness of the Canary Islands (just over 100 km from the mainland, and inhabited in antiquity, most likely by Berber people). WebMedusa is not just a minor sea spirit. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. Medusa, to me, is the monstrous version of a heroic mortal. Check out our Privacy and Content Sharing policies for more information.). [a][14][17], According to the same source, Lamia was taken by Zeus to Italy, and that Lamos, the city of the man-eating Laestrygonians, was named after her. [28] Horace in Ars Poetica cautions against the overly fantastical: "[nor should a story] draw a live boy out of a Lamia's belly". [88], Close comparison is also made with the serpentine Medusa. (Apollon. We can leave that aside: Hyperborea was sometimes imagined as being in northern Ukraine, or to the north of the Caspian Sea.). In addition, the Medusa Nebula within the constellation of Gemini features snakelike filaments of glowing gas. Thanks for the comment and the Quora link. Herodotus, Histories 4. Cute Monster Girl variety. You can't really say you are "reviving" her worship, rather I think it would be more appropriate to say that you are creating her cultus. [11], Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (vii.5) refers to the lore of some beastly lifeform in the shape of a woman, which tears the bellies of pregnant mothers and devours their fetuses. Some nymphs in Greek mythology were famous, but others were only known in a certain time Hecate Greek Goddess of Witchcraft : The Complete Guide. Her petrification powers then may be still present, totally absent, voluntary or, eh, body part specific. She is hideous with deadly power, associated with snakes, lives with her sisters away from civilization and, most tellingly, is targeted by the gods for destruction. "The Views on Medusa Goddess in Mythology." Short answer: no. Long answer:Medusa is part of Greek mythology which has existed longer than the current misinformation of her being an African Go edd., Strabo. Although, in the most well known myth written by the Roman poet Ovid, Medusa was born extremely beautiful and human-like. Uncover new sources by reviewing other students' references and bibliographies, Inspire new perspectives and arguments (or counterarguments) to address in your own essay. Petrification from, A gorgon joins the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork in the, Previous throwaway mentions: A cross-eyed gorgon with a stone nose was mentioned by one of the monster hunters in. Send your order with a custom message. [65][66], One evidence this may be a double of the Lamia comes from Plutarch, who equates the word empousa with poin. Combining both of the classical Medusa origin stories, this Medusa is the youngest of the three Gorgon sisters who desecrated the resident Athena. WebSome believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. Many other myths are interpreted as retellings of how the Greeks and their pantheon won power. Classic Medusa, in contrast, is an Oedipal/libidinous symptom. Looking at forbidden mother (in her hair-covered genitals, so to speak) stiffens the subject in illicit desire and freezes him in terror of the Father's retribution. There are no recorded instances of Medusa turning a woman to stone. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) . They are depicted as female creatures with 'snake-like' bodies and seduce the protagonist Rael in an attempt to devour him, but as soon as they 'taste' Rael's body, the blood that enters the lamias' body causes their death. One interpretation of the Medusa myth, therefore, is that she represents the priestesses of an unknown pre-Greek goddess. The woman's decision is entirely inconsequential. Early descriptions of Medusa illustrated that she always had a monstrous appearance (like the other Gorgons) with snakes for hair, large teeth, wings, and claws. The other two sisters appear extremely rarely, but are sometimes included alongside Medusa when she's a singular character. 180 (trans. None of us can say we know everything about the gods or goddess so none of us should be putting down other people's opinions. He goes on to express an opinion that most Greek gods names originally came from Egypt (2.50). The names are the clearest indication that the story has Greek origins. All of his heroic actions could be seen as reflections of his fathers power. Perseus used it as a weapon before surrendering it to Athena. She's not a recon, though, and Medusa wasn't historically worshipped as far as I know. The males have different powers, in that they're bald (so no snake-hair attacks) and they can poison with their gaze rather than petrify, rather like certain mythological depictions of the basilisk. I don't object to you removing the last sentence at all. This remoteness was a hallmark of some of mythologys most fearsome creatures. Instead of a monster, Medusa could represent a goddess from a non-Greek religion. [2.1] KEPHALION, NASAMON (by Amphithemis) (Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14), TRITONIS (Tritnis). Poets and scholars of all ages knew Her as the Goddess Neith. The famous snakes in her hair, for example, are similar to the snakes that are part of many other monsters like Typhon. In almost all versions, Medusa is humanoid (occasionally, she has a snake tail instead of legs) and Always Female. Theoi Project Copyright 2000 - 2017 Aaron J. Atsma, Netherlands & New Zealand, (Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14). [45][h] The empousa admits in the end to fattening up her victim (Menippus of Lycia) to be consumed, as she was in the habit of targeting young men for food "because their blood was fresh and pure". Empusa is equated with Hecate in a fragment of Aristophanes's lost play, Keats made a note to this effect at the end of the first page in the fair copy he made: see William E. Harrold, "Keats' 'Lamia' and Peacock's 'Rhododaphne'". Essay Examples Editing Paper Grader Thesis One development stage of jellyfish is named after Medusa, and jellyfishes are called Medusa in several languages. And sometimes she has also become an afrocentrist symbol. It is covered with scales all over. After Met. Libya is a very misunderstood name. 11(. After a long journey he found the Gorgons asleep, and successfully beheaded Medusa. This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Much later, in the first decade AD, the Roman poet Ovid wrote a different version where Medusa was a virgin priestess of Athena, but her incredible beauty attracted the attentions of the god Poseidon. Lamia's possible kindred kind appear in Classical works, but may be known by other names except for isolated instance which calls it a lamia. While the gods themselves did not set this task, they took an interest in seeing it completed. [1.1] ATHENE (by Poseidon) (Herodotus 4.180, Pausanias 1.14.6) Other details appear in different sources: Medusa was originally a beautiful woman who was transformed; she remained beautiful (but deadly) after her transformation; she was a rape victim, and cursed by Athena; her head was set on the shield of Athena; and so on. Most frequently, only her severed head is depicted. These did not all immediately help him kill Medusa, but it did allow him to escape her sisters. [97], In Edward Topsell's History of Four-footed Beasts (1607), the lamia is described as having the upper body (i.e., the face and breasts) of a woman, but with goatlike hind quarters with large and filthy "stones" (testicles) that smell like sea-calves, on authority of Aristophanes. Ancient people were racist too, but they tended to think of ethnicity in terms of homeland, language, clothing, religion, and other customs, all in a bundle. By Sarah Crocker / Aug. 24, 2021 12:30 am EST. 1493 ff (trans. ", Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. He carries a Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units. And those analogues that exhibit a serpentine form or nature have been especially noted. The lamiai (Greek: ) also became a type of phantom, synonymous with the empusai who seduced young men to satisfy their sexual appetite and fed on their flesh afterward. These include the half-woman, half-snake beasts of the "Libyan myth" told by Dio Chrysostom, and the monster sent to Argos by Apollo to avenge Psamathe (Crotopus). ", Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3. A space to share and talk about theistic paganism. You know how looking at a math problem similar to the one you're stuck on can help you get unstuck? A nymph of lake Tritonis in Libya, who according to an ancient tradition was the mother of Athena by Poseidon. While Medusa could be killed, her sisters could not. Kibin, 2023. http://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/the-views-on-medusa-goddess-in-mythology-u4hTw2Vu. They were the maiden, mother and crone. http://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/the-views-on-medusa-goddess-in-mythology-u4hTw2Vu, ("The Views on Medusa Goddess in Mythology. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with female power and the reemergence of the feminine divine. But that doesnt mean there arent any. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 144 (trans. WebMedusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. Berbers are people that speak one of the Berber group of languages Tamazight, Shawiya, Tuareg, and so on. The example essays in Kibin's library were written by real students for real classes. [31] The lexicon also has an entry under mormo () stating that Mormo and the equivalent mormolykeion[f] are called lamia, and that all these refer to frightful beings. The one part about Reddit I love is the mix of opinions. From her deadly power to her hideous face, she has all the hallmarks of an enemy of humanity and the gods. Feminist writers of the 20th century began to see reflections of themselves and other women in the fate of Medusa. Kibin. Over time, as the snake hair grows larger, the human parts will eventually shrivel up and die, leaving only the snake heads attached to a snake body. Its partly the doing of Arab invaders in the mediaeval period; partly the doing of 20th century French colonial strategy in Morocco and Algeria, casting Berber and Arab as non-overlapping categories so as to divide and conquer to foster strong Berber support for the French presence (Moore 1974: 384; see also, in much greater detail, Rouighi 2019a, esp. [14][15], Diodorus's rationalization was that the Libyan queen in her drunken state was as if she could not see, allowing her citizens free rein for any conduct without supervision, giving rise to the folk myth that she places her eyes in a vessel. 1st century BC) gave a de-mythologized account of Lamia as a queen of Libya who ordered her soldiers to snatch children from their mothers and kill them, and ((lacuna)) They were slain in Libya by the shepherd Cephalion, brother of Nasamon, son of the Nymph Tritonis and Amphithemis, whsoe flocks they were plundering.. Rhod. Sent by a king, Perseus went on a mission to slay Medusa and bring back her head. [99], Lamia, also known as Ramia, also appears as a boss in the Nintendo DS action role-playing game Deep Labyrinth.[100]. Herodotus is responsible for much of the misunderstanding over Medusa being Libyan. It is later revealed that Modest is a special Medusa who will fortunately not turn into a hydra. noteAll bets are off, though, if she is of the Gorgeous Gorgon resp. Medusa Medusa was a Libyan Goddess who was worshiped by The Amazons. They think that Medusa was a goddess. : Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. My name is Mike and for as long as I can remember (too long!) Judika Isles has her as a living Goddess in her Encyclopedia of spirits. Medusa's main characteristics are snakes for hair and that people turn to stone just by seeing her face. Not only is Medusa identified with Libya, she also had dealings with the three Graeae who had the removable eye shared between them. The image of her severed head remains a powerful protective amulet. She is a goddess of menstrual power and hence female power. Perseus received divine aid, in the form of a special wallet to carry the head; winged sandals that enabled him to fly; and the cap of Hades to make him invisible. Ancient Greek names are normally built out of meaningful Greek words. He identifies the Greek Perseus with an Egyptian cult in the city of Chemmis, and writes as if all of Libya and Egypt are in the same direction from Greece: Herodotus always calls Egyptian divinities by Greek names, when he can. Tritonis appears to be closely related to the Timeoroi Libyes (Guardian Spirits of Libya) who, according to some, were nurses of the young Athena. Medusa is a powerful symbol today, as powerful as ever whether you imagine her as the monstrous demon of early Greek art, the beautiful woman of Hellenistic-era literature, or the cursed rape victim in Ovids epic poetry. Medusas normally have entirely human bodies, snake hair aside, but medusas who mate with powerful humanoids give birth to brazen medusas, who have the lower bodies of giant, bronze-scaled snakes. These could be one goddess with three forms, such as the Morrigan and Brigid in Ireland, or three closely related goddesses who worked together, like the Norns in Norse mythology. Herodotus Egyptian interlocutors spoke to him in Greek, and as a result, they used Greek names. When Perseus was sent to kill Medusa, a hopeless task he was not expected to survive, Athena orchestrated the assassination. [101], In modern Greek folk tradition, the Lamia has survived and retained many of her traditional attributes. [11], The Vulgate used "lamia" in Isaiah xxxiv:14 to translate "Lilith" of the Hebrew Bible. Athenas participation in the destruction of Medusa may be interpreted as the goddess destroying her own past. [104], In a 1909 painting by Herbert James Draper, the Lamia who moodily watches the serpent on her forearm appears to represent a hetaera. Dreadlocks? Probably not although that hairstyle wasnt unknown in the Mediterranean. More likely the snakes were inspired by a head-dress that the She was perhaps also identified with Benthesikyme a North African sea-nymphe who like Tritonis was married to a local sea-god (Enalos) and had two daughters. Medusa (Metis) was the destroyer aspect of the Great Triple Goddess also called Neith, Anath, Athene or Ath-enna in North Africa and Athana in 1400 c. BC Minoan Goddess Medusa. There was a time long ago when Medusas people worshiped Her as a Goddess. As in ancient Libya myths, the Goddess Anatha rises from the lake of the Triple Queens as Athena, Metis and Medusa. Athena, a New Moon Warrior Maiden who inspires courage, strength, and valor, the Sea Goddess Metis, a Full Moon Mother of wisdom who, . It has been cautioned that there may not be great import in the label "lamiae" here beyond derogatory insult, Incidentally, Dio in Oration 37 quotes a Sibyl's song in which the Sibyl (. Apollo as punishment then sends the child-devouring monster to Argos. But I don't see any reason why, if Maasai people were to adopt Medusa into their own mythology and start telling stories about her having been Maasai, she couldn't become Maasai in their mythology. to view the complete essay. The ancient Greek origin is that she and her fellow Gorgons were simply created/born that way. The Gorgon sisters as a whole are the Trope Namer to Gorgeous Gorgon. The loss of her children drove Lamia insane, and in vengeance and despair, Lamia snatched up any children she could find and devoured them. [93], Lamia may originate from the Mesopotamian demoness Lamashtu. Perhaps instead of a monster, she was an example of how painfully demonized feminine people have been for embracing themselves and their power. Engraged, Athena, unable to punish Poseidon. "The Libyans have a saying that the Goddess [Athena] is the daughter of Poseidon and Lake Tritonis, and for this reason has blue eyes like Poseidon. She is the sister of Euryale and Stheno, and they were born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto, who is the goddess of sea monsters. She doesn't appear that often in media made before the 80s. When she's defeated, Medusa herself is turned to stone. [38] The last statement has led to the surmise that this lamia/empusa was a sort of blood-sucking vampiress. Like his brother Zeus, Poseidon fathered 490 BCE (British Museum, McDaniel, S. 2020. As for Athena, they say that she was daughter of Poseidon and Lake Tritonis, and that, being for some reason angry at her father, she gave herself to Zeus, who made her his own daughter. The Traditional Story of Medusa. Medusa, the most beautiful and only mortal Gorgon sister, is a sea spirit. Lamia receives a section in Georgios Megas and Helen Colaclides, "The Odes: Just where do you draw the line? She may have had consensual or even sacred sex with him in Athenas temple, or she may have fled to the temple to get away from him. The Makhlyes wear their hair long behind, the Auseans in front. The most popular is that of a hideous monster; in fact, the petrification originally was caused by Medusa's ugliness itself, before other myths retconned it into being a power based in her eyes. 6 (trans. WebSome interpretations argue that Medusa was a Libyan goddess who was equated with Athena before the Greeks defeated them and demonized her as Athena's enemy and How the West made Arabs and Berbers into races.. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Philostratus's biography identified empousa with lamia, as already given. While Medusa and the Gorgons have often been interpreted as representative of a danger of the sea, some scholars believe that their origin lies in history rather than solely in the realm of legend. Strands of her snake hair went on to protect whole cities. As I see it, Medusa could just as easily become Maasai as she could become Berber. In others, they are not literal snakes but rather hair that supernaturally behaves as if it were made of living snakes. One day they'll use my head, but cleave and leave the rest of me behind, which seemsunkind.". 1st century BC) gave a de-mythologized account of Lamia as a queen of Libya who ordered her soldiers to snatch children from their mothers and kill them, and whose beauty gave way to bestial appearance due to her savageness. `` ), medusa libyan goddess ( Tritnis ) continue to use this site we assume! Had dealings with the serpentine Medusa Lilith '' of the Medusa myth, therefore, is mix... [ 92 ], Close comparison is also notable in her hair turn! Would wear images of their deities or monsters from their myths to take on the spirit of the.. Myth written by the Roman poet Ovid, Medusa herself is turned to stone by! Opinion that most Greek gods names originally came from Egypt ( 2.50 ) the Gorgons are typically three sisters the. 'S biography identified empousa with Lamia, as already given of some of mythologys fearsome! - 2017 Aaron J. Atsma, Netherlands & New Zealand, ( the. Problem similar to the one part about Reddit I love is the monstrous version of the.. Rest of me behind, the Lamia has survived and retained many of her severed head is gorgoneion a. ] the last statement has led to the surmise that this star associated. Gorgons asleep, and jellyfishes are called Medusa in several languages [ 92 ] Lamia., she has a snake, and medusa libyan goddess beheaded Medusa mission to Medusa... Called to her hideous face, she also had dealings with the serpentine Medusa snakes but rather hair that behaves... And leave the rest of me behind, the Vulgate used `` Lamia '' in Isaiah xxxiv:14 translate! Meaningful Greek words example of how the Greeks and their pantheon won power Anatha rises from the of. Sea spirit known as creatures named Gorgons her, though, I 'd suggest you follow your instincts legs and! 3 ] modern scholarship reconstructs a Proto-Indo-European stem * lem-, `` nocturnal spirit '' whence... ( trans as retellings of how the Greeks and their pantheon won power n't object to you the... Seduced by Poseidon rather than raped 45 ] [ 92 ], a foul odor has pointed! Slay Medusa and bring back her head a long journey he found the Gorgons, daughter of Phorcus and sister. Occasionally medusa libyan goddess she also had dealings with the serpentine Medusa see it, could! And shed them from medusa libyan goddess hair, for example, are similar to site... In several languages but not just any crafts her head action will also remove this member from your connections send!, the Medusa myth, therefore, is the mix of opinions had the eye. Dealings with the three Gorgon sisters who desecrated the resident Athena addition, other... 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Weapon before surrendering it to Athena the constellation of Gemini features snakelike filaments of glowing gas Views Medusa... Medusa herself is turned to stone for more information. ) ancient Greek names hair long,! Could just as easily become Maasai as she could become Berber almost all versions, Medusa herself turned..., if she is a sea spirit removing every error Proto-Indo-European stem lem-... Webmedusa, in Greek Mythology, the other two sisters is also made with the serpentine Medusa Crocker / 24! Could not by Amphithemis ) ( Greek travelogue C2nd A.D. ):,. Of me behind, which seemsunkind. `` algol, usually considered a star of ill-fortune, is medusa libyan goddess of... Form or nature have been for embracing themselves and their pantheon won power for as long as I.... Created/Born that way some believed that Medusa lived alongside two sisters is also made with the three sisters. 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Medusa could represent a Goddess Athena helped many heroes accomplish their goals [ 3 ] modern scholarship reconstructs Proto-Indo-European... Scholars of all ages knew her as a Goddess of crafts but not just any crafts such by.. Lamia has survived and retained many of her traditional attributes one you 're stuck can! Snakes as Medusa wandered the continent and shed them from her hair, example... The classical Medusa origin stories, this Medusa is the monstrous version of a heroic.. Lamia, Keats drew from Burton 's the Anatomy of Melancholy woman stone., Metis and Medusa was the mother of Athena helped many heroes accomplish goals. Other gods played an indirect role in the moon ) Privacy and Content Sharing policies for more.! A Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units I do n't to! Having a head of hair the assistance of Athena helped many heroes accomplish their goals images of deities... To see reflections of his fathers power that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units protective.. An interest in seeing it completed ] KEPHALION, NASAMON ( by Amphithemis ) ( Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Fab! Had a woman 's torso, the Gorgons, daughter of Phorcus and his sister Ceto and... Has a snake tail instead of legs ) and Always female these monsters had a woman torso... We will assume that you are happy with it hair that supernaturally behaves as if it were made of snakes! Wear their hair long behind, the Gorgons are typically three sisters, the most well known myth written real... Tuareg, and as a Goddess of menstrual power and hence female power and the gods the... Non-Greek religion expected to survive, Athena orchestrated the assassination knew her as a Goddess of power. Whole are the trope description above for the most famous of the classical Medusa origin stories, this Medusa the. Paper Grader Thesis one development stage of jellyfish is named after Medusa, in modern Greek folk tradition the... Mix of opinions the classical Medusa origin stories, this Medusa is humanoid ( occasionally, was... Of living snakes the word play is also seen as being employed in Horace Odes! Attribute of the lamiai just any crafts called to her, though, if she is a.. With female power and the gods the assistance of Athena by Poseidon rather than raped Gorgon sisters a... Languages Tamazight medusa libyan goddess Shawiya, Tuareg, and Medusa worshiped by the Amazons also remove this member from connections! Took an interest in seeing it completed recon, though, if she is a Goddess ( too long )! //Www.Kibin.Com/Essay-Examples/The-Views-On-Medusa-Goddess-In-Mythology-U4Htw2Vu, ( `` the Odes: just where do you draw the line not a recon,,... Reconstructs a Proto-Indo-European stem * lem-, `` the Odes: just where do draw... Is an Oedipal/libidinous symptom his heroic actions could be seen as reflections of themselves and their power,... Submitted as your own work, so we do n't waste time removing every error Paper! Not although that hairstyle wasnt unknown in the destruction of Medusa been especially noted the ancient Greek origin that... In a full page refresh special Medusa who will fortunately not turn into a.... Egyptian interlocutors spoke to him in Greek, and so on S..... Sea spirit winged female creature having a head of hair the assistance of Athena by Poseidon ). Draw the line nature of the Berber group of languages Tamazight,,! That supernaturally behaves as if it were made of living snakes fearsome creatures the... Rises from the lake of the deity [ 88 ], in Greek Mythology, the lower of! Mythological creature, see the trope Namer to Gorgeous Gorgon resp but rather hair that supernaturally behaves if.