Uncovering the Gorgon: Monster or Protector?
One of the most widely known and recognizable characters from Ancient Greek mythology has to be none other than Medusa. The terrible monster whose mere gaze turned men to stone, frozen in place where they stood. And what of her origins? According to Ovid, she was once a beautiful woman, before being transformed into a gorgon by Athena/Minerva.
She was once most beautiful, and the jealous aspiration of many suitors. Of all her beauties none was more admired than her hair: I came across a man who recalled having seen her. They say that Neptune, lord of the seas, violated her in the temple of Minerva. Jupiter’s daughter turned away, and hid her chaste eyes behind her aegis. So that it might not go unpunished, she changed the Gorgon’s hair to foul snakes.
Ovid, Metamorphoses, Bk IV:753-803 While this story has become the most popular element of Medusa's character today, both she and the Gorgons have a far older and deeper history. In myths that predate Ovid, i.e. prior to the 8th century CE, Medusa is unilaterally portrayed as having been a gorgon from birth, alongside her two sisters, Stheno and Euryale.
In many Ancient Greek artifacts, as well as on temples and other forms of architecture, the heads and faces of Gorgons can be seen. This motif is known as a "Gorgoneion," (Γοργόνειον). For most of Ancient Greek history, it seems, the Gorgoneion was viewed as a powerful symbol used to ward against evils. It was an "apotropaic" symbol.
The face of the Gorgon is depicted as truly monstrous, with a snarling, grinning mouth, sharp tusks, and of course, the twisted snake hair. And oftentimes, it sports a beard. In some depictions that show more of the Gorgon's body, they are shown with wings, giving us an almost "angel-like" appearance.
So, how are Medusa and the gorgons relevant to us today? How should we, as Hellenic Polytheists, view this symbol? I have heard of some people who worship Medusa, for various reasons, including viewing her as a protector of victims of S/A. This mainly draws from Ovid's portrayal of her. While this is a completely valid approach, it must be noted that within historical records, there is no real evidence that Medusa or her sisters were ever worshipped, save for a passing mention by the historian and traveler Pausanias of a mound of earth located in Argos, which was believed to be the resting spot for Medusa's head. The text is vague and it is unclear if the site was a shrine, altar or just a mythological landmark known to the locals.
In any case, the symbol of the Gorgoneion is one that I have found myself extremely fascinated by as of late, and I am eagerly awaiting a necklace depicting it, which should be arriving soon... if it doesn't get lost in the mail. The apotropaic nature of the Gorgoneion persists to this day. I think we as polytheists should embrace its history and continue to use the symbol, on our altars, homes, and on our bodies. May the gods give us the strength to ward off and defend ourselves from any evils that come our way.
