The misunderstood identity of Medusa

Racheal Daphne Manuel

M.A English Literature , Pachaiyappas College, Chennai-30

ABSTRACT: Myth is a folklore genre involving traditional narrative stories

passed on from generation to generation. The characters portrayed in myths are
gods, demigod and legends. They also teach us tales of humanity. It is considered
as penultimate because they are beyond words. This paper focuses on the
monstrous creature Medusa. The many versions of the story depicts that she is a
cruel monster by nature. The very site of face is terrifying and it is said that anyone
who looks into eyes will be turned into stone. Her head is the peculiar one of all.
All the strands of her hair are venoms snakes which fight with each other. Hunted
by all mighty warriors she always remained impossible. Being a mortal, medusa
was really a ravishingly beautiful maiden “jealous aspirants of many suitor”,
boasted upon her beauty and black tresses. Envied even by the goddess Athena, her
beauty was spoken all over the land. Was it right on the part of the goddess to
punish medusa? is the question that lingers on and on……….