Medusa (The Gorgons)

The three Gorgon sisters were the daughters of a sea monster and one of the ancient sea gods. The Gorgons had large grotesque heads, snakes for their hair, large protruding teeth and tongues, and sometimes a smake's tail instead of legs. The sisters names were Medusa (Cunning One), Sthenno (Mighty), and Euryale (Wide Leeping). It was thought that meeting a Gorgons gaze or even glancing at one's face would turn a human into stone.

Of the three Gorgons all were immortal except for Medusa. The killing of Medusa was the great exploit of Perseus. From Medusa's dying body is said to have sprung the magic winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor.

Another version of the Medusa legend goes that originally Medusa was a beautiful girl whos hair was so lovely...the girl dared to compare her beauty with the Gods. In punishment her hair was turned into snakes and the sight of her would turn humans into stone.

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