The myth of Medusa

Before, her hair was a writhing nest of snakes and her eyes had the power to petrify, Medusa was a young woman who worshipped at the temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.

But all the while, as Medusa tended to Athena’s shrine, Poseidon, god of the seas and horses, was watching her.

And one night, he crept into the temple as Medusa prayed, and assaulted her.

Athena reacted swiftly to the desecration of her shrine.

But instead of punishing Poseidon, she focused her wrath on Medusa.

The young woman felt her body transform until she was a monstrous Gorgon, her face framed by coils of hissing snakes.

No man could freely look upon her again, for if they met her eyes, they'd instantly turn to stone.