The Myth of Medusa

Medusa was a priestess to Athena. Athena is the goddess of war and wisdom. She is also
the only virgin goddess. Part of the requirements of being a priestess to Athena would have
included Medusa promising to remain chaste while in service.

Medusa became a perfect priestess. The rituals conducted by Medusa kept attracting
more followers delighted in the way in which that beautiful young woman conducted each of her
activities. Medusa had beautiful fluttering hair that mesmerized those who stared at her. A
gullible man dared to say that Medusa’s hair was more beautiful than Athena. The goddess from
the top of Mount Olympus notices the commotion in one of her temple. She realized that many
were not there to worship her – but rather to see the charming priestess. Athena resisted the
temptation to do anything against those who shifted their focus from her to Medusa.

Meanwhile, at the Mount Olympus, Poseidon notices the goddess’ restlessness. Poseidon
and Athena had a major rivalry. They disputed the right to be the city’s patron god which was the
capital of Ithaca. The goddess was the winner of the dispute and in honor of her; the city changed
its name to Athens. Poseidon did not accept defeat well and planned his revenge.

Poseidon notices that Athena was focus on her most beautiful and gracious priestess. He
decided that this beautiful young woman could be an instrument of his revenge. Poseidon plotted
to tarnish Athena’s reputation-striking her most unblemished follower.

One day, while Medusa is gathering water for service in the temple, Poseidon followed
her. The gods showed himself to Medusa and use his charms to seduce the priestess. But Medusa
did not forget his vows to Athena and rejected Poseidon’s advance. She ran to Athena’s temple
seeking for protection but Poseidon followed to the temple and possesses her with force.

Athena comes and sees that her temple has been defiled. She doesn’t blame her fellow
god; she blames the human – Medusa. Medusa’s sisters come to her defense and thus suffer part
of the punishment. Athena curses Medusa with a head full of snakes, eternal life, and that any
man who looks at her will be turned to stone. This punishment turns Medusa into a monster that
is isolated from the world of men – thus she can never be near another man again.

And then we come to the myth of Perseus, which we will save for another day.