A beautiful mortal, medusa was the exception in the family, until she incurred the wrath of athena, either due to her boastfulness or because of an illfated love affair with poseidon. Medusa was one of the three gorgons, daughters of phorcys and ceto, sisters of the graeae, echidna, and ladon all dreadful and fearsome beasts. In this book, basic readers are introduced to medusa and her hideous sisters and learn about how the hero perseus and his flying horse managed to slay her. For official godchecker merch please visit our god shop where a wide range of items are available to buy. Medusa medusa, one of three sisters in greek mythology 1 known as the gorgons, had a destructive effect upon humans. Greek mythology is the set of stories about the gods, goddesses, heroes and rituals of ancient greeks. Throughout greek mythology, medusa has always remained a rather enigmatic and interesting figure in her own right. Medusa greek mythology skip to main search results amazon prime. The myth of perseus and medusa explained greek mythology. Medusa is one of the more unusual divine figures of ancient greece mythology one of a trio of gorgon sisters, medusa was the only sister who was not immortal.
Most sources describe her as the daughter of phorcys and ceto, though the author. To purchase such goodies we suggest you try amazon, ebay or other reputable online stores. According to legend, anyone who looked directly at medusa would turn to stone. Perseus greek mythology up to 20 books are listed, in descending order of popularity at this site. Medusa was a monster, one of the gorgon sisters and daughter of phorkys. Greek mythology was part of the religion in ancient greece. The word gorgon derives from the ancient greek word meaning. In some variations of the myth, medusa was born a monster like her sisters, described as girded with serpents, vibrating tongues, gnashing their teeth, having wings, brazen claws, and enormous teeth. The greeks were polytheistic in their religious beliefs. Greek mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. Greek mythologyheroesperseus wikibooks, open books for an. Perseus, a slayer of monsters, beheaded medusa with a mirror given to him by the greek gods so that he would not have to look at her.
With thousands of childrens books, audiobooks, and videos, there is no limit to what children can learn and explore. In ancient greek mythology, medusa is the most famous of three monstrous sisters, known as the gorgons. Polydectes asked perseus to slay and behead the gorgon medusa and bring back her head as his gift. He was, alongside cadmus and bellerophon, the greatest greek hero and slayer of monsters before the days of heracles. The story of medusa greek mythology explained youtube. This book gives readers a closeup look at this snakehaired horror. Solving the mystery of the gorgon stephen r wilk isbn. He would become one of the great heroes in greek mythology because of his ability to behead the monster, medusa.
Arguably medusa is the most famous villainess and monster of greek mythology, for medusa was the monster with hair of snakes and a stony gaze encountered by the hero perseus. Medusa and athena ancient greek goddesses greek mythology. Symbolically, people saw her as a threat and a hideous monstrosity from which they were afraid. How accurate are the percy jackson books to greek mythology. She is famed for her snakelike hair and her gaze, which turns those who look at her to stone. Perceived as a demon, her story actually ranks high up in the list of tragedies. Because the gorgons could turn anybody to stone by looking in their eyes, perseus cleverly looked in the shield, so that medusa couldnt look directly into his eyes. Books under subject heading medusa greek mythology this site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. One of a trio of gorgon sisters, medusa was the only sister who was not immortal. Applying a feminists lens to these old myths and legends, gill presents a new rendition of greek mythology. Fantasy fiction young adult fiction juvenile fiction sisters californiasan francisco mythology, greek monsters medusa greek mythology fate and fatalism. Also included is a synopsis of images of medusa in modern. We examine how she became the monster that she is so widely regarded as. Medusa greek mythology up to 20 books are listed, in descending order of popularity at this site.
Greek mythologybeastsgorgonmedusa wikibooks, open books. Starting with details about medusa s history, physical features, and supernatural powers, the text continues with a retelling of the classic myth of perseus. Nov 26, 2019 the curse of medusa in greek mythology posted on november 26, 2019 by madeleine medusa is known as a winged gorgon monster with snakes for hair who could turn anyone to stone just by looking into the persons eyes, but medusa wasnt always this despicable monster that she became known as. For a poetic account, see the ending of the fourth book of ovids metamorphoses. Perseus was one of the greatest and oldest pan hellenic heroes of greek mythology. The deep end of the sea by heather lyons, medusa, a love story by sasha summers, sweet venom by tera lynn childs, the lightni.
The 10 best greek mythology books norse mythology for smart. According to this ancient author, the three sisters, sthenno, euryale, and medusa, were the children of phorcys and ceto and lived beyond famed oceanus at the worlds edge hard by night. A visual dictionary with entries and more than 600 fine art images. The medusa head is part of fashion designer gianni versaces symbol. Wilk explains many of the features of the greek myths associated with the gorgons and shows why they appear worldwide. Medusa, one of the three gorgons of greek mythology. The legends of ancient greece, rome and the norse and celtic worlds. Medusa, who represented female wisdom, was the eldest of two other gorgon sisters, stheino, who represented strength, and the last sister, euryale as universality. Dec 18, 2018 medusa and athena ancient greek goddesses greek mythology in later myths mainly in ovid medusa was the only gorgon to possess snake locks because they were a punishment from athena. Greek mythology childrens book collection discover epic. Of these three sisters, medusa was the only mortal one. Perseus greek mythology medusa greek mythology hades greek deity mythology, greek. The stories of the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and other mythical creatures childs introduction series.
Books about medusa greek mythology what should i read next. Apr 10, 2020 in some part of the movie percy and his friends encounter medusa at a greenhouse garden. Books about medusa greek mythology what should i read next register for free to build your own book lists. From wikibooks, open books for an open world greek mythology this site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. She is the mythical creature and one of the three gorgons. Adapted from the myths and legends of ancient greece and rome by e. In ancient greek mythology, medusa is the most famous of three monstrous sisters known as the gorgons. The myth of perseus and medusa, according to pindar and apollodorus, started with a quest. Human heroessuch as heracles, the adventurer who performed 12 impossible labors for king eurystheus and was. It stretches back millennia and has intrigued man with its fantastical stories and unusual beasts. What can the myth of medusa tell us about classical myth, perceptions. Aug 20, 20 medusa was a formidable foe, since her hideous appearance was able to render any onlooker into stone.
Detraci regula is a freelance writer who has specialized in greek travel and tours for 18 years. Perseus, one of the most famous of the legendary heroes of ancient times, was the son of zeus and danae, daughter of acrisius, king of argos. Do we sell medusa graphic novels, books, video or roleplaying games rpg. Joan holub, leslie patricelli illustrator buy from. However, she was caught making out with poseidon in the temple of athena and was transformed into a. Unlocking its secrets, claiming its power by mary valentis and anne devane notes that when we asked women what. One glance upon a gorgon would turn the onlooker into stone. In greek mythology, medusa had two more sisters who were sthenno and euryale. One of the bestselling mythology books of all time by bernard evslin, todd haberkorn, et al. An awardwinning dramatist and illustrator, christina has painted more than 20 childrens books, including blodin and the beast by michael morpurgo, zoo in the sky, the planet gods, the lion bible, national geographics treasury of greek mythology, and national geographics treasury egyptian mythology. Medusa tattoos are interesting inking that ancient mythology inspires.
The curse of medusa in greek mythology posted on november 26, 2019 by madeleine medusa is known as a winged gorgon monster with snakes for hair who could turn anyone to stone just by looking into the persons eyes, but medusa wasnt always this despicable monster that she became known as. Heres a list from the guide to the mythological universe i have a hard time accepting that someone as powerful as zeus would irrationally blame a young man completely unaware of his godly lineage of stealing a lightning bolt. The hunt for medusas head a greek myth graphic myths and legends only left in stock more on the way. In greek mythology medusa, which means jellyfish in greek, was one of the three mermaids gorgones. Greek mythology wikibooks, open books for an open world. Medusa and poseidon the punishment of athena see u in history. Medusa medusa, the daughter of phorcys and ceto is a famous gorgon in greek mythology. Books about medusa greek mythology what should i read. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair consisting of snakes. Perseus and medusa photo by nightowl on pixabay, perseus and medusa. Like her gorgon sisters, euryale and stheno, medusa was a hideous fanged monster.
In many myths, she appeared as a horribly ugly woman with hair made of snakes, although occasionally she was described as being beautiful. In almost every version of the medusa myth, king polydectes of seriphus sent perseus to return with her head so that. He received a mirrorlike shield to take on his journey. But medusa in greek myth used to be a rape victim before becoming a monster. Books about perseus greek mythology what should i read. Medusa, in greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as gorgons. Medusa is best known as the monstrous creature of greek myth, maligned and hideous, with snakes for hair and the power to turn people to. Perseus was born to the god, zeus, and mortal woman, danae, making him a demigod with great strength and intelligent ingenuity. Medusa mosaics were popular in both the greek and roman world and can. In greek mythology, medusa also called gorgo, was one of the three monstrous gorgons. Devils gate by thea harrison, sweet venom by tera lynn childs, medusa, a love story by sasha summers, the deep end of the sea b. However, she was caught making out with poseidon in the temple of athena and was transformed into a gorgon in punishment.
Mar 17, 2020 now that youve seen our list of the best greek mythology books and movies, im sure youll be interested in trying out more of the best greek mythology books in audio. Sep, 2019 the story of how medusa was killed by perseus is one of the most thrilling stories in greek mythology. The earliest known record about the story of medusa and the gorgons can be found in hesiods theogony. Greek mythology does not just tell the stories of gods and goddesses, however. This year i started to be very interested in mythology and know i came here to have some books about greek mythology recommended about everything or maybe the books from the most important stories heracles, perseus and medusa, etc. Medusa was the only mortal sister of the three gorgons, who were transformed into monstrous gorgons by athena after defiling her. This book will serve as a detailed reference to all things in greek mythology, including a bestiary of greek mythological creatures such as the centaur and nymph and a collection of greek stories. He famously slew the dreaded gorgon medusa whose gaze could turn men to stone, an exploit he swiftly followed up with the daring rescue of the princess andromeda from a monstrous seacreature sent by poseidon to terrorize the kingdom of ethiopia. Today we look at one of the most misunderstood characters in greek mythology, medusa. Medusa was one of three beautiful sisters in greek mythology. Basically, medusa is the character in greek mythology.
Medusa is one of the more unusual divine figures of ancient greece mythology. One of the most famous stories from ancient greek mythology concerns medusa, a creature so repulsive that merely gazing on her turned someone to stone. Mar 17, 2017 medusa was a monstrous being in greek mythology, with a mass of snakes coming out of her head. Medusa was a monstrous being in greek mythology, with a mass of snakes coming out of her head. If youre still fascinated with greek mythology books, or looking for percy jackson or circe readalikes, youll find the best of them here for adults, teens, and kids alike. Great goddesses is a collection of poems written by nikita gill, who is known for her poetry collections fierce fairytales and wild embers. In metamorphoses by ovid, medusa appeared to be a beautiful maiden. Dec 28, 2018 but medusa in greek myth used to be a rape victim before becoming a monster. Medusa whose name probably comes from the ancient greek word for guardian was one of the three gorgons. She is famed for her snakelike hair and her gaze, which turns those who look at her to. Medusa also had wings in most depictions, and hair made of snakes.
Greek mythologyheroesperseus wikibooks, open books for. Jul 22, 2019 greek mythology books retellings, translations, and commentary continue to be some of my favorite reads. The myth of perseus and medusa is one of the best thrillerlike tales in greek mythology with a promising plot that gets more complicated as the story progresses, this myth has a typical hollywoodlike scenario with the main character not being born yet at the moment when his destiny was determined. As ancient origins has previously reported, the earliest known record about the myth of medusa and the gorgons can be found in hesiods theogony. In the greek mythological pantheon, the gorgon medusa stands a head above all others in her power to terrify. Long after many other figures from greek myth have been forgotten, she continues to. She has been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games. As the author of this interesting new book demonstrates, the gorgon was not only. In ancient greek myth, medusa is a terrifying creature with snakes for hair. He beheaded the gorgon medusa for polydectes and saved andromeda from the sea.