Medusa and Perseus – the Myth and the Symbol

Medusa is one of the best-known figures of Greek mythology – a woman with snakes for hair whose gaze turned people to stone. She was slain by Perseus, son of Zeus. Here is the myth of Perseus and Medusa, what the head of Medusa means as a symbol and where you can see it today – including on silver coins. Medusa's head, the gorgoneion, was also a common design on ancient Greek coins.

Who was Medusa in Greek mythology?

Medusa was one of the three Gorgons – snake-haired sisters, daughters of the sea deities Phorcys and Ceto. Her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal. Medusa was the only mortal Gorgon, which is why she alone could be defeated.

Older myths describe the Gorgons as monsters from birth. The Roman poet Ovid tells a different version in the "Metamorphoses": Medusa was a beautiful young woman, and Athena turned her hair into snakes after Poseidon defiled the goddess's temple with her. That is why Medusa is seen today not only as a monster but also as a victim.

Who was Perseus?

Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danaë. Danaë's father, King Acrisius of Argos, heard a prophecy that he would die at the hands of his grandson, so he locked his daughter away. Zeus came to her as a shower of gold. When Perseus was born, Acrisius shut mother and child in a chest and cast it into the sea. The waves carried them to the island of Seriphos, ruled by King Polydectes.

The myth of Perseus and Medusa

Polydectes wanted to marry Danaë and get rid of her grown son. So he demanded a gift that seemed impossible to obtain: the head of Medusa. Perseus could not have done it alone – the gods helped him:

  • Athena gave him a polished shield, so he could see Medusa in its reflection without meeting her gaze,
  • Hermes gave him a curved sword (harpe),
  • from the nymphs he received winged sandals, a bag for the Gorgon's head and the helm of Hades, which made him invisible.

The way to the Gorgons was shown by the Graeae, sisters who shared one eye and one tooth – Perseus took their eye and returned it only in exchange for directions. While the Gorgons slept, he flew to Medusa, looking only into his shield, and cut off her head with a single stroke. From her neck sprang the children of Poseidon – the winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor.

Perseus and Andromeda

On his way home Perseus saw Andromeda, a princess chained to a rock as an offering to a sea monster – punishment for her mother Cassiopeia's boasting. The hero killed the monster and married Andromeda. Back on Seriphos he turned Polydectes and his court to stone and gave Medusa's head to Athena. The prophecy came true anyway: during an athletic contest Perseus accidentally killed his grandfather Acrisius with a discus. The heroes of this myth reached the sky – Perseus, Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus and Pegasus are all constellations.

The head of Medusa – what does it symbolise?

Athena placed Medusa's head on her aegis – her shield or breastplate. The image of the Gorgon's head, called the gorgoneion, was painted by the Greeks on shields, armour, vases and temples as a talisman to ward off evil. What had been a source of terror became a protector.

Medusa also lives on in art and culture:

  • "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" by Benvenuto Cellini – a bronze statue on a square in Florence,
  • Caravaggio's "Medusa" – the Gorgon's head painted on a shield, in the Uffizi Gallery,
  • the Versace fashion house logo, which shows the head of Medusa,
  • the Medusa tattoo – today most often a symbol of strength, protection and surviving hard times.

Medusa and Perseus on coins

Some of these are sold-out issues shown as an archive. You will find more coins with gods and heroes in the Greek Mythology category, and a list of Greek gods with their symbols in our article Greek Gods – List, Symbols and Key Myths.

Frequently asked questions

Who killed Medusa?

Perseus, son of Zeus and Danaë. He cut off her head while looking at her only in the reflection of Athena's shield.

Why did Medusa turn people to stone?

That was the power of the Gorgons' gaze. According to Ovid it was Athena's punishment – together with the snakes for hair.

How many Gorgons were there?

Three: Stheno, Euryale and Medusa. Only Medusa was mortal.

What does a Medusa tattoo mean?

Most often protection, strength and survival – it refers to the ancient gorgoneion, which was meant to ward off evil.

Summary

The myth of Perseus and Medusa is a story of courage, cunning and the help of the gods – and the head of Medusa has been a symbol of protection for over two thousand years. If you would like this story in silver, see the Perseus & Medusa coin or contact us – we will help you choose.