Medusa, Printed on Somerset Velvet Paper

Medusa was originally a beautiful mortal woman, known for her stunning looks. However, her fate took a dark turn when she caught the eye of the sea god Poseidon in the temple of Athena. The goddess Athena was enraged by this desecration of her sacred space and, instead of punishing Poseidon, she turned her wrath towards Medusa.

In her anger, Athena transformed Medusa into a hideous creature with snakes for hair and a gaze that could petrify anyone who looked directly into her eyes. Banished and cursed, Medusa became one of the Gorgons, along with her sisters Stheno and Euryale.

The hero Perseus, guided by Athena and Hermes, embarked on a quest to slay Medusa. Equipped with a reflective shield, a sword given by Hermes, and winged sandals, Perseus managed to behead Medusa while avoiding direct eye contact. From her severed neck, the winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor were born.

Perseus later used Medusa’s head as a weapon, turning enemies to stone with its gaze. The head was eventually gifted to Athena, who placed it on her shield, the Aegis, as a symbol of divine protection.

Medusa
Watercolor, Gouache, and Acrylic Mixed Media Painting, Giclee print on rich Somerset Velvet, Archival quality paper
by Artist Renee

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