The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling. During my free time, I love reading and researching history. You only need to maintain a positive approach towards life and have a little faith. Phoenix Tattoos. To make this obvious, add a medusa pendant to your necklace. Jeenah Moon for The New York Times. It is said that everyone has a masculine and feminine self. Gaia Symbol of fertility, power, and creation. To the Egyptians, it was a symbol of protection and royal power. From a feminist perspective, Medusas story seems a cautionary tale of the symbolic decapitation of women and a loss of ones power. I heard somewhere (that is not a very reliable source I know) that the story of Medusa is actually a story ancient Greek women would look to for empowerment. The Medusa symbol might have a vary Required fields are marked *. Her symbols were a shield that frequently appeared above her head in ancient hieroglyphics which was why she was killed with a reflective shield in Greek mythology. In a later version, as told by the Roman poet Ovid, Medusa is a beautiful human woman, who is turned into a monster by Athena as punishment after she is raped by Poseidon (woe to mortal women in mythology). Throughout the essay she encourages women to come closer in relation to her sexuality, to her womanly being, giving her access to her native strength. She goes on to say that in doing so she will get back her goods, her pleasure, her organs, her immense bodily territories. Cixous continues on, saying that for too long women's bodies have been occupied and deemed guilty guilty of everything, guilty at every turn: for having desire, for not having any; for being frigid, for being too hot; for not being both at once, perhaps even from being both woman and angry. Some stories say that there was one more unnamed Gorgon who was older than the others. Before we talk about the different messages of medusa, let us discuss medusas symbolism. Every situation you go through will turn around for your good. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. Anyone that believes in her will enjoy this protection continually. In order to unpack the feminist implication of the mythology, lets begin with the narrative of her story. Whenever you see yourself drawing medusa in a dream, it means that the universe has blessed you with creativity. Greek mythology has long fascinated me, but Im also intrigued by how the stories have changed and developed over time, as have interpretations of those stories. Ancient Egyptians used the Eye of Horus to provide protection. You should be fine if you worry about attracting her attention. Today it is sometimes used as a symbol of Hellenic Neopaganism. Here we discuss Medusa as a goddess, gorgon, and icon AND we teach you 8 ways to work with her fierce energy. The evil eye is similar to the Egyptian wedjat, also known as the udjat eye or the Eye of Horus , which is a symbol of protection and good health. It is said that medusa protects people from suffering what she suffered at the hands of Athena. In ancient history, females pray to her for confidence and strength especially in a world where men treat females as weak and helpless. What are your opinions on Medusa as a symbol of protection? So basically, Im wondering which is the most accurate? This message is meant to keep you alert at all times. Therefore, to enhance your intellectual power, try keeping an image of medusa around you. Victim in Stone Benvenuto Cellini , Perseus with the Head of Medusa, 1545-1554, Florence. American Traditional Medusa Tattoos Unfortunately, the Goddess Athena didnt see it that way and punished her because she couldnt punish the God for his defilement. As she became more and more attractive, Medusa's allure became a symbol of her power in the world, a might that was often distinctly feminine. Although Athena had the power to prevent this, she chooses not to. There is an alluring nature to Medusa, as she is both siren and saint she is the complicated woman we all understand and fear. The Greeks loved to romanticize their culture in the form of Greek mythology and every character in it represented something about their culture. Answer (1 of 6): The functional identity of human vital functions with the functions of the primitive organial forms of movement reaches much more behind and beyond the jellyfish known as Medousa [1] [2] These two photographs clearly show that the ancient Greek mythologists probably knew ana. Oftentimes, this message comes with the message of wisdom and spiritual understanding because they are intertwined. Men back in the day didnt have the same level of respect for women as they do today because each gender had a different role in society. Several stories fly around concerning medusa, but we will attempt to extract messages from those stories. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. Still no matter her form or decapitation her gaze is never averted, looking directly at the viewer as an assertion of her horrifying power that cannot be completely subverted by beauty. She was very lovely once, the hope of many An envious suitor, and of all her beauties Her hair most beautifulat least I heard so From one who claimed he had seen her. The myth of Medusa lies at the nexus of conversations about symbolism, feminity, rage, and the ways women are symbols of generativity, desire, and power. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Her face looked like a monster, and venomous snakes made up her hair. The meaning of Medusa is powerful. From ancient greek mythology, medusa is a goddess of art. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Before she was cursed for sleeping the Poseidon, medusa was a beautiful goddess and queen. Her petrifying gaze turns men into stone but only towards those who look at her hideous appearance. Like the evil eye, the Medusa is an apotropaic symbol that protects from evil. Finally, shes a triple goddess. The eye of Horus is an ancient symbol embued with magickal power and meaning. Ideally, Medusa's face is so repulsive and terrifying that it will repel evil entities. Early accounts placed the Gorgons in a faraway place on the edge of night. Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art draws on around 60 works from the Manhattan museums collections to explore the transformation of Medusa and other classical female hybrid creatures, from sphinxes to sirens to Scylla, a sailor-eating sea creature with twelve legs and six necks who makes an appearance in Homers Odyssey. Some believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. Medusa was the only one of the three who could ever be killed. Have a tip or story idea? image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. She has been used as an image of great learning and wisdom for years. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon, one of three monstrous sisters comprised of Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale. AirplaneMode - BONES. Seems a little ironic that a monster like Medusa would be used as a way to keep family protected against the evils of the world. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Did the monstrous Gorgon bear any children that 13 Frequently Asked Questions About Medusa. Her gaze became an omen of protection, the snake on her hair became an omen of wisdom, and she is revered all over the world. She is a woman who represents a conflicting view of femininity, one that is seemingly alluring but with a threatening or sinister underside. The femme fatale archetype has found permanence in our storytelling, and confirms to us that: to be both beautiful and fearsome to be a woman who has bodily autonomy and anger is not at all normative and that those women must be cast aside or have power taken from them. The original Hamsa amulet was shaped like a hand with 3 fingers in the middle and the thumb and small finger in a curved shape on either side of the hand. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong about anything! She is the symbol of what female power looks like in the face of threatened male authority. In this version of the myth, Medusa is instead a beautiful womxn. She calls women to write and express themselves fully. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. Medusa was one of three daughters born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. The reason for medusas plight was her unfaithfulness to the vow she made. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. 42. Pharaohs would often be entombed wearing Wadjet amulets, and it was intended to protect them in the afterlife and ward off evil forces. In the 1994 book, Female Rage: Unlocking Its Secrets, Claiming Its Power, the authors claimed that when they asked women what female rage looked like to them, it was always Medusawho came to mindIn one interview after another they were told that Medusa is the most horrific woman in the world. None of the women they interview could remember the details of the myth, and perhaps, had they been able to, they would have had a different perspective. Eventually, Medusa attracts the attention of Poseidon, who subsequently rapes her. Thankfully, we have collectively realized that the person who deserves to have his head cut off is Neptune, and hopefully one day that revenge fiction will be brought to the big screen. Additionally, the snakes in her hair can symbolize wisdom, healing, and . However, the spiritual world can communicate different messages to you. Therefore, anytime you see this image around (during a confusing situation), it is a sign that you should pay close attention to. Although other greek mythology claimed that she was a priestess and one of the 3 monstrous gorgons, which are known as 3 winged females. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Business, Economics, and Finance. She was the child of Ceto and Phorcys. The labrys also appears in African religious symbolism and mythology (see Shango). The Gorgon was also a representation of protection and had symbols. Freuds analysis of the Medusa myth is that she was decapitated because she represents castration anxiety through phallic symbolism. According to ancient history, it is recorded that medusa was one of the prettiest goddesses in the universe. "When Medusa looks in the mirror, she sees the Lady of Sorrows." - Mason Cooley. Her story always starts in these objects when her power is possessed, her head severed and turned into a weapon, whether shes a damsel in distress or a monster. I would be super interested in reading your source materials if youre willing (I think I can get around the paywall by using my universitys library so its worth a shot) or I would also like to read your paper whenever youre dont with it if thats easier! Other sacred animals to Poseidon were the . Can Brain Science Explain Why We Like Certain Artworks? The clinical material cited in the above papers refers to male patients, except one case cited by Flugel. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. Through the snake-like strands of medusas hair, the universe is warning you against the deception of your friends. One of the powers of medusa is protection. It means that she is a goddess that inspires people to be creative which brought forth the science of art. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. Read the best quotes from Greek mythology about Medusa. The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. Medusa has 11 spiritual meanings, which we look at in this article. She was a monster in her story but her symbols were often used for the good of mankind however ironic it is to hear. A new intersectional publication, geared towards voices, values, and identities! It also tells you to be confident in your physical looks. In a new show, Nicole Marroquins artworks are in dialogue with the documentary photographs of Mexican-born artist Diana Sols. One such symbolisation is the famous Perseus myth. In addition to this, the medusa can help people regain their spiritual fervor and sensitivity. My name is Marlin Davis and I am passionate about history of all sorts. Medusa is also seen as a symbol of freedom and liberation for women, as she was used as a symbol of French liberation during the French Revolution. As an ancient protection symbol, the Medusa in this way also symbolizes aspects of the mother goddess, especially as a child of Gaia, the creator. From her severed neck, her child Pegasus is born. She helps females to attain their primes and become who they choose to be. In ancient Greek society, which was a male-centered society, the feminization of monsters served to demonize women. Medusa is, in other words, the ultimate femme fatale. Medusa, who was once thought of as a boastful mortal who deserved to be turned into a monster, is now seen in a more sympathetic view by modern standards. What does Medusa Symbolize? Not only that, but Medusa is often used as a symbol of rage in feminism. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Medusas story is that she was pregnant with Poseidons child when she was killed. If women venture to claim control over their heads, then they become a threat to the phallic, male-dominated structure. It is believed that she became a goddess after the curse was pronounced. It has the divine power to protect you from harm. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. For women in ancient times, this motif had a specific function and was of great importance. Athena's curse was not a punishment for Medusa, but a punishment for the gods and men who intended to harm her. visittuscany.com If humans werent so tempting then maybe most of the male gods wouldnt be serial rapists. Medusa embodies menstruation's protective powers. Silencing Powerful Women - The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments. The symbol of her snakes is closely related to life itself as well as the cycle of rebirth. It takes a high level of creativity to achieve this feat. In recent years, Medusa has been reformed into a tragic figure who was slut-shamed and victim blamed, simply because punishing a male god (Neptune/Poseidon) would have been considered unthinkable. The symbol offers protection from harm caused by the evil eye. Princess (she/her-bisexual) is a Brooklyn born Megan Fox truther, who loves Sailor Moon, mythology, and diversity within sci-fi/fantasy. Since Ancient Greece, the snake-haired Gorgon has been a sexualized symbol of womens rage. What does Medusa Represent? pic.twitter.com/u61VAuxhJ8. In addition to this, seeing the image of medusa speaks of the intellectual ability of an artist to draw her perfectly. Medusa, who is often evil herself in these tellings, is used as a figure to repel other evil forces. Yes, Medusa is a protection symbol. He then employs her head and its stony glare as a weapon, a tool he subsequently gives to the goddess Athena who wore it on her armor. . Terracotta two-handled funnel vase with Medusa head (Greek, South Italian, Apulian, Canosan, Early Hellenistic, late 4thearly 3rd century BCE), terracotta, height: 30 3/4 inches; diameter: 17 5/16 inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1906). Medusas story showed us the representation of women in ancient Greek society and how people viewed them. Athena grows jealous, as many men flock to her, only to glance at Medusa instead. Lotus Flower (Asia) Red lotus flower. Because of the origin of medusa, she is an emblem of deep spirituality. Google any famous womans name, perhaps Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi, or Hillary Clinton along with the word Medusa. For centuries women in power (or fighting for power) have been compared to Medusa, from Marie Antoinette to the suffragettes.Its clear in our society the sexually and intellectually independent woman is a fearsome sight to behold. Medusa is the only one who is mortal and that is why the hero Perseus is sent to slay her.
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