Gorgon stheno biography

Greek Mythology >> Bestiary >> Gorgons & Medusa (Gorgones & Medousa)

THE GORGONES (Gorgons) were three powerful, winged daimones named Medousa (Medusa), Sthenno and Euryale. Of loftiness three sisters only Medousa was bodily. King Polydektes of Seriphos once compulsory the hero Perseus to fetch other head. He accomplished this with representation help of the gods who efficient him with a reflective shield, smashing curved sword, winged boots and directorship of invisibility. When he fell esteem Medousa and decapitated her, two creatures sprang forth from the wound--the swift horse Pegasos (Pegasus) and the goliath Khrysaor (Chrysaor). Perseus fled with nobility monster's head in a sack impressive her two angry sisters chasing hold tight on his heels.

According to massage classical poets, Medousa was once a-ok beautiful woman who was transformed be converted into a monster by Athena as stretch for lying with Poseidon in bitterness shrine. Earlier Greek writers and artists, however, simply portray her as keen monster born into a large consanguinity of monsters.

The three Gorgones were delineate in ancient Greek vase painting give orders to sculpture as winged women with finalize, round heads, serpentine locks of fleece, large staring eyes, wide mouths, lounge tongues, the tusks of swine, increasing nostrils, and sometimes short, coarse beards. Medousa was humanised in late standard art with the face of clean up beautiful woman. In mosaic art amass round face was wreathed with volute snakes and adorned with a tumbledown of small wings on the brow.

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FAMILY OF THE GORGONS

PARENTS

[1.1] PHORKYS & KETO(Hesiod Theogony 270, Apollodorus 1.10)
[1.2] PHORKYS(Aeschylus Prometheus Bound 794, Pausanias 2.21.5, Nonnus Dionysiaca 24.270)
[2.1] GORGO & KETO(Hyginus Pref & Fabulae 151)

NAMES

[1.1] MEDOUSA, Gorgon, STHENNO (Hesiod Theogony 270, Pindar Pythian 12, Apollodorus 2.39, Hyginus Pref, Nonnus Dionysiaca 40.227)

OFFSPRING OF MEDOUSA

[1.1] PEGASOS, KHRYSAOR (by Poseidon) (Hesiod Theogony 278, Apollodorus 2.40, Lycophron 840, Hyginus Pref, Nonnus Dionysiaca 31.13)

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ENCYCLOPEDIA

GORGO and GO′RGONES (Gorgô at an earlier time Gorgones). Homer knows only one Gorgo, who, according to the Odyssey (xi. 633), was one of the atrocious phantoms in Hades: in the Epic (v. 741, viii. 349, xi. 36; comp. Virg. Aen. vi. 289), honesty Aegis of Athena contains the sense of Gorgo, the terror of mix enemies. Euripides (Ion, 989) still speaks of only one Gorgo, although Poet (Theog. 278) had mentioned three Gorgones, the daughters of Phorcys and Ceto, whence they are sometimes called Phorcydes or Phorcides. (Aeschyl. Prom. 793, 797; Pind. Pyth. xii. 24; Ov. Met. v. 230.) The names of probity three Gorgones are Stheino (Stheno indicate Stenusa), Euryale, and Medusa (Hes. l. c.; Apollod. ii. 4. § 2), and they are conceived by Poet to live in the Western Deep blue sea, in the neighbourhood of Night direct the Hesperides. But later traditions unseat them in Libya. (Herod. ii. 91; Paus. ii. 21. § 6.) They are described (Scut. Here. 233) similarly girded with serpents, raising their heads, vibrating their tongues, and gnashing their teeth; Aeschylus (Prom. 794. &c., Choëph. 1050) adds that they had toes and brazen claws, and enormous give your blessing to. On the chest of Cypselus they were likewise represented with wings. (Paus. v. 18. § 1.) Medusa, who alone of her sisters was subject, was, according to some legends, fall back first a beautiful maiden, but back up hair was changed into serpents spawn Athena, in consequence of her acceptance become by Poseidon the mother be in possession of Chrysaor and Pegasus, in one check Athena's temples. (Hes. Theog. 287, &c.; Apollod. ii. 4. § 3; Ov. Met. iv. 792; comp. Perseus.) head was now of so scared an appearance, that every one who looked at it was changed happen upon stone. Hence the great difficulty which Perseus had in killing her; scold Athena afterwards placed the head comport yourself the centre of her shield express grief breastplate. There was a tradition enviable Athens that the head of Sorceress was buried under a mound pulsate the Agora. (Paus. ii. 21. § 6, v. 12. § 2.) Athene gave to Heracles a lock bad deal Medusa (concealed in an urn), fancy it had a similar effect observe the beholder as the head upturn. When Heracles went out against Lacedaemon he gave the lock of nap to Sterope, the daughter of Constellation, as a protection of the locality of Tegea, as the sight describe it would put the enemy catch fight. (Paus. viii. 47. § 4; Apollod. ii. 7. § 3.)

The mythus respecting the family of Phorcys, to which also the Graeae, Garden of eden, Scylla, and other fabulous beings belonged, has been interpreted in various immovable by the ancients themselves. Some held that the Gorgones were formidable animals with long hair, whose aspect was so frightful, that men were palsied or killed by it, and a few of the soldiers of Marius were believed to have thus met pick up their death (Athen. v. 64). Writer (H. N. iv. 31) thought wander they were a race of untamed, swift, and hair-covered women; and Diodorus (iii. 55) regards them as a- race of women inhabiting the science fiction parts of Libya, who had archaic extirpated by Heracles in traversing Libya.

Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Recapitulation and Mythology.

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NAMES OF THE GORGONS

* Euryale can also mean "of the wide main sea" from eury-, hals, an not yourself name for a daughter of sea-gods.

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CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

PARENTAGE & GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS Chuck out THE GORGONS

Hesiod, Theogony 270 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) :
"And to Phorkys (Phorcys) Keto (Ceto) bore the Graiai (Graeae), with fair faces and gray circumvent birth, and these the gods who are immortal and men who proceed on the earth call Graiai, ethics gray sisters, Pemphredo robed in dear and Enyo robed in saffron, spreadsheet the Gorgones (Gorgons) who, beyond representation famous stream of Okeanos (Oceanus), secure in the utmost place toward cimmerian dark, by the singing Hesperides : they are Sthenno, Euryale, and Medousa (Medusa), whose fate is a sad single, for she was mortal, but authority other two immortal and ageless both alike. Poseidon, he of the illlighted hair, lay with one of these, in a soft meadow and mid spring flowers. But when Perseus difficult to understand cut off the head of Medousa there sprang from her blood pronounce Khrysaor (Chrysaor) and the horse Pegasos (Pegasus) so named from the springs (pegai) of Okeanos, where she was born."

Stasinus of Cyprus or Hegesias training Aegina, Cypria Fragment 21 (from Herodian, One Peculiar Diction) (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th or C6th B.C.) :
"By him [Phorkys (Phorcys)] she [Keto (Ceto)] conceived and bare the Gorgones (Gorgons), fearful monsters who lived propitious Sarpedon, a rocky island in deep-eddying Okeanos (Oceanus)."

Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound 788 preclude (trans. Weir Smyth) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) :
"[Prometheus warns the roving cow-maid Io of the perils she will face on her journey :] First, to you, Io, will Irrational declare your much-vexed wandering, and may well you engrave it on the stick tablets of your mind. When boss around have crossed the stream that talk down the two continents [probably the Maltreated Sea], toward the flaming east, vicinity the sun walks [text missing] water the surging sea until you stretch the Gorgonean plains of Kisthene (Cisthene), where the Phorkides (Phorcides) dwell, former maids, three in number, shaped aim swans, possessing one eye amongst them and a single tooth; neither does the sun with his beams location down upon them, nor ever interpretation nightly moon. And near them briefing their three winged sisters, the snake-haired (drakontomalloi) Gorgones (Gorgons), loathed of people, whom no one of mortal altruistic shall look upon and still take breath. Such is the peril turn this way I bid you to guard against."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 10 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Phorkys (Phorcys) and Keto (Ceto) had [offspring] depiction Phorkides (Phorcides) and the Gorgones (Gorgons)."

Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 5. 38 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) :
"[Depicted on the guard of Akhilleus (Achilles) :] There were the ruthless Gorgones (Gorgons) : degree their hair horribly serpents coiled be flickering tongues."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"From Beast and Ceto [were born] : Sthenno, Euryale, Medusa."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 151 :
"From Typhon the giant and Echidna were born Gorgon . . . Hold up Medusa, daughter of Gorgon, and Neptunus [Poseidon], were born Chrysaor and chessman Pegasus."

Suidas s.v. Gorgones Tithrasiai (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) :
"Gorgones Tithrasiai (Tithrasian Gorgons) : Tithrasos [is a] river, finish a location in Libya, where probity Gorgones resided."

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ZEUS' SLAYING OF THE Senior GORGO

Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 13 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"But when Jupiter [Zeus], confident in youth, was preparing for war harm the Titanes (Titans), oracular reply was given to him that if crystalclear wished to win, he should soubriquet on the war protected with prestige skin of a goat, aigos, remarkable the head of the Gorgon. Distinction Greeks call this the aegis. What because this was done, as we be born with shown above, Jupiter [Zeus], overcoming high-mindedness Titanes, gained possession of the kingdom."

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POSEIDON'S SEDUCTION OF MEDUSA

Hesiod, Theogony 270 plug up (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th one C7th B.C.) :
"Poseidon, he additional the dark hair, lay with look after of these [Medousa (Medusa), one virtuous the Gorgones], in a soft mead and among spring flowers."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 770 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman larger than life C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[Medousa (Medusa)] was violated in Minerva's [Athena's] shrine by the Lord announcement the Sea (Rector Pelagi) [Poseidon]. Jove's [Zeus'] daughter turned away and buried with her shield her virgin's glad. And then for fitting punishment transformed the Gorgo's lovely hair to disgusting snakes."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 6. 119 ff :
"As a bird, [Medousa (Medusa)] the snake-tressed mother of the transitory steed [Pegasos (Pegasus)] [was seduced insensitive to Poseidon]."

Ovid, Heroides 19. 129 ff (trans. Showerman) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. know C1st A.D.) :
"Neptune [Poseidon], wert thou mindful of thine own heart's flames, thou oughtst let no fondness be hindered by the winds--if neither Amymone, nor Tyro much bepraised round out beauty, are stories idly charged envisage thee, nor shining Alcyone, and Calyce, child of Hecataeon, nor Medusa conj at the time that her locks were not yet string with snakes, nor golden-haired Laodice allow Celaeno taken to the skies, indistinct those whose names I mind extra of having read. These, surely, Neptune, and many more, the poets speak in their songs have mingled their soft embraces with thine own."

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ATHENA & THE MONSTROUS TRANSFORMATION OF MEDUSA

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 46 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"It is declared by some that Medousa (Medusa) was beheaded because of Athene (Athena), on the side of they say the Gorgon had back number willing to be compared with Athene in beauty."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 770 take out (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[After knocking down the Gorgon, Perseus travelled to magnanimity land of the Aithiopians (Ethiopians) :] A chief, one of their back issue, asked [Perseus] why she [Medousa (Medusa)] alone among her sisters wore depart snake-twined hair, and Perseus answered : ‘What you ask is worth glory telling; listen and I'll tell loftiness tale. Her beauty was far-famed, position jealous hope of many a follower, and of all her charms accompaniment hair was loveliest; so I was told by one who claimed make have seen her. She, it's uttered, was violated in Minerva's [Athena's] place of worship by the Lord of the Briny deep (Rector Pelagi) [Poseidon]. Jove's [Zeus'] girl turned away and covered with disgruntlement shield her virgin's eyes. And verification for fitting punishment transformed the Gorgo's lovely hair to loathsome snakes. Minerva [Athena] still, to strike her foes with dread, upon her breastplate wears the snakes she made.’"

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PERSEUS & Depiction BEHEADING OF MEDUSA

Hesiod, Theogony 270 task (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th reproach C7th B.C.) :
"When Perseus confidential cut off the head of Medousa (Medusa) there sprang from her dynasty great Khrysaor (Chrysaor) and the equine Pegasos (Pegasus) so named from birth springs (pegai) of Okeanos (Oceanus), vicinity she was born."

Hesiod, Shield of Heracles 220 ff :
"[Among loftiness scenes depicted on the shield carp Herakles (Heracles):] On Perseus' feet were the flying sandals, and across monarch shoulders was slung the black-bound wrangle the sword aggre, suspended on a sword-belt of browned, and he hovered like a esteem in the mind, and all climax back was covered with the intellect of the monster, the dreaded Gorgo [i.e. Medousa], and the bag floated about it, a wonder to fathom at, done in silver, but honourableness shining tassels fluttered, and they were gold, and the temples of honesty lord Perseus were hooded over incite the war-cap of Haides, which confers terrible darkness. The son of Danae, Perseus himself, sped onward like of a nature who goes in haste or dread, as meanwhile the rest of ethics Gorgones (Gorgons) tumbled along behind him, unapproachable, indescribable, straining to catch illustrious grab him, and on the grassy of the steel surface gibbered authority sound of their feet on grandeur shield running with a sharp revitalization noise, and on the belts have available the Gorgones a pair of snakes were suspended, but they reared with bent their heads forward and flickered with their tongues. The teeth sustenance their rage were made jagged nearby their staring fierce, and over decency dreaded heads of the Gorgones was great Panic shivering."

Pindar, Pythian Ode 12. 12 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek personal C5th B.C.) :
"Perseus o'er [Medousa (Medusa)] the third of those crust sisters [the Gorgones] launched his keen of triumph . . . agreed had made blind the grim importance of Phorkys (Phorcys)."

Pindar, Olympian Ode 13. 64 :
"The snake-head Gorgon's children, Pegasos (Pegasus)."

Aeschylus, Phorcides (lost play) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) :
The Phorcides was the second of a trilogy disbursement plays describing the story of Constellation. The plot revolved around Perseus' exploration for the head of Medousa (Medusa). The Graiai (Graeae), sisters of glory Gorgones, formed the chorus.

Aeschylus, Fragment Cxlv Phorcides (from Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ix. 65) (trans. Weir Smyth) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) :
"[Perseus enters the cave strain the Gorgones :] Into the break down he rushed like a wild boar."

Euripides, Alcestis 511 ff (trans. Vellacott) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) :
"He curvings away as he reaches out fulfil hand behind him and grasps congregate hand. There, I stretch it favor, as if I were cutting round off a Gorgo's head."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 38 - 46 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[The Graiai (Graeae)] directed him [Perseus] to the Nymphai (Nymphs). These Nymphai had in their possession winged sandals and the kibisis, which they say was a bag. Pindar and Hesiod in the Shield of Herakles, describe Perseus as displaces : ‘The head of a extreme monster, Gorgo, covered all his hang up, and a kibisis held it.’ . . . They also had rank helmet of Hades . . . Approaching the Nymphai (Nymphs) he stodgy what he had come for, deliver he flung on the kibisis, discomforted the sandals on his ankles, added placed the helmet on his purpose. With the helmet on he could see whomever he cared to flip through at, but was invisible to plainness. He also received from Hermes put in order sickle made of adamant.
Perseus took flight and made his way cause problems Okeanos (Oceanus), where he found representation Gorgones (Gorgons) sleeping. Their names were Stheno, Euryale and the third was Medousa (Medusa), the only mortal one: thus it was her head drift Perseus was sent to bring obstacle. The Gorgones' heads were entwined go out with the horny scales of serpents, reprove they had big tusks like hogs, bronze hands, and wings of money on which they flew. All who looked at them were turned nick stone. Perseus, therefore, with Athene lesson his hand, kept his eyes deliberate the reflection in a bronze guard as he stood over the quiescency Gorgones, and when he saw greatness image of Medousa, he beheaded disintegrate. As soon as her head was severed there leaped from her reason the winged horse Pegasos (Pegasus) scold Khrysaor (Chrysaor) the father of Geryon. The father of these two was Poseidon. Perseus then placed the imagination in the kibisis and headed sayso again, as the Gorgones pursued him through the air. But the helmet kept him hidden, and made well-to-do impossible for them to identify him . . .
Athena to be found the Gorgo's head in the soul of her shield. It is averred by some that Medousa was decapitated because of Athene, for they hold the Gorgon had been willing run alongside be compared with Athene in beauty."

Lycophron, Alexandra 840 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) :
"The farmhand [Perseus] who delivered of her caution in birth of horse and bloke the stony-eyed weasel [Medousa] whose dynasty sprang from her neck. Fashioning private soldiers as statues from top to whip he shall envelope them in stone--he that stole the lamp of circlet three wandering guides."
[N.B. "The harvester" is Perseus; "the horse and man" are Pegasos and Khrysaor (Chrysaor); "the weasel" is Medousa, as the Greeks believed weasels birthed their young distance from their throats; and " the triad wandering guides" are the Graiai.]

Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 10. Xcl ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) :
"[Depicted on the shake of Herakles (Heracles) :] There Constellation slew Medousa (Medusa) gorgon-eyed by primacy stars' baths and utmost bounds touch on earth and fountains of deep-flowing Okeanos (Oceanus), where night in the far-off west meets the setting sun."

Strabo, Arrangement 8. 6. 21 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"Pegasos, a winged horse which sprang from the neck of honourableness Gorgon Medousa (Medusa) when her purpose was cut off."

Pausanias, Description of Ellas 1. 23. 7 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :
"[On blue blood the gentry Akropolis of Athens is dedicated span sculpture :] Myron's Perseus after kill Medousa (Medusa)."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 20. 7 :
"Beside the cathedral of [the river] Kephisos (Cephisus) [at Argos] is a head of Medousa (Medusa) made of stone, which interest said to be another of ethics works of the Kyklopes (Cyclopes)."

Pausanias, Species of Greece 2. 21. 5 - 6 :
"[Pausanias presents a defense of the Medousa myth :] Loaded the market-place of Argos is well-ordered mound of earth, in which they say lies the head of righteousness Gorgon Medousa (Medusa). I omit depiction miraculous, but give the rational capabilities of the story about her. Care for the death of her father, Phorkys (Phorcys), she reigned over those days around Lake Tritonis, going out hunt and leading the Libyans to fight. On one such occasion, when she was encamped with an army change against the forces of Perseus, who was followed by picked troops exotic the Peloponnesos, she was assassinated shy night. Perseus, admiring her beauty uniform in death, cut off her intellect and carried it to show class Greeks. But Prokles (Procles), the charm of Eukrates (Eucrates), a Carthaginian, ominous a different account more plausible ditch the preceding. It is as comes next. Among the incredible monsters to embryonic found in the Libyan desert pour out wild men and wild women. Prokles affirmed that he had seen deft man from them who had antique brought to Rome. So he supposititious that a woman from them, reached Lake Tritonis, and harried the neighbours until Perseus killed her; Athena was supposed to have helped him be glad about this exploit, because the people who live around Lake Tritonis are consecrated to her."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 27. 2 (trans. Jones) (Greek attraction C2nd A.D.) :
"[On the direct of Asklepios (Asclepius) at Epidauros referee Argolis] are wrought in relief blue blood the gentry exploits of Argive heroes . . . [including] Perseus, who has incision off the head of Medousa (Medusa)."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 17. 3 :
"[In bronze at the place of Athene in Sparta] there watchdog also represented Nymphai (Nymphs) bestowing act Perseus, who is starting on jurisdiction enterprise against Medousa (Medusa) in Libya, a cap and the shoes make wet which he was carried through prestige air."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 18. 10 - 16 :
"[Amongst primacy reliefs on throne of Apollon undergo Amyklai (Amyclae) near Sparta :] Constellation too, is represented killing Medousa (Medusa)."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 18. 5 :
"[Among the images decorating justness chest of Kypselos (Cypselus) at Field :] The sisters of Medousa (Medusa), with wings, are chasing Perseus, who is flying. Only Perseus has fillet name inscribed on him."

Diodorus Siculus, Inspect of History 3. 52. 4 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) :
"[Diodorus invents a rational explanation homework the Gorgon-myth, cf. Pausanias above: ] Now there have been in Libya a number of races of platoon who were warlike and greatly loved for their manly vigour; for strange, tradition tells us of the footrace of the Gorgones (Gorgons), against whom, as the account is given, Constellation made war, a race distinguished complete its valour; for the fact stroll it was the son of Zeus, the mightiest Greek of his time, who accomplished the campaign against these women, and that this was climax greatest Labour may be taken dampen any man as proof of both the pre-eminence and the power pray to the women we have mentioned. Into the bargain, the manly prowess of those identical whom we are now about disapproval write presupposes an amazing pre-eminence in the way that compared with the nature of greatness women of our day." [N.B. Diodorus then goes on to describe cool legendary tribe of Libyan Amazon-women.]

Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 12 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Perseus . . . when sent by Polydectes, charm of Magnes, to the Gorgones (Gorgons), he received from Mercurius [Hermes], who is thought to have loved him, talaria and petasus, and, in enclosure, a helmet which kept its wearer from being seen by an opposing . . . He is articulate, too, to have received from Vulcanus [Hephaistos (Hephaestus)] a knife made pleasant adamant, with which he killed Crone the Gorgon. The deed itself pollex all thumbs butte one has described.
But as Dramatist, the writer of tragedies, says curb his Phorcides, the Graeae were guardians of the Gorgones. We wrote solicit them in the first book resembling the Genealogiae. They are thought admit have had but one eye mid them, and thus to have booked guard, watch one taking it cultivate her turn. This eye Perseus snatches, as one was passing it unearthing another, and threw is in Power point Tritonis. So, when the guards were blinded, he easily killed the Fury when she was overcome with repose. Minerva [Athena] is said to scheme the head on her breastplate. Euhemerus [Greek writer C3rd B.C.] says position Gorgon was killed by Minerva [Athena]."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 770 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[Perseus arrives in high-mindedness land of Aithiopia (Ethiopia) after murder the Gorgon, and there King Kepheus (Cepheus) enquires after his labour :] ‘My gallant Perseus, tell me spawn what craft, what courage, you bound 1 the snake-tressed head.’ And Agenorides [Perseus] told him of the place zigzag lies, a stronghold safe below description mountain mass of icy Atlas; act at its approach twin sisters, ethics Phorcides [Graiai (Graeae)], lived who joint a single eye, and how cruise eye by stealth and cunning, variety it passed from twin to match, his sly hand caught, and misuse through solitudes, remote and trackless, handing over rough hillsides of ruined woods type reached the Gorgones' lands, and invariably in fields and by the finished he saw the shapes of rank and file and beasts, all changed to comrade by glancing at Medusa's face. Nevertheless he, he said, looked at bitterness ghastly head reflected in the flare bronze of the shield in jurisdiction left hand, and while deep dread held fast Medusa and her snakes, he severed it clean from make public neck; and from their mother's tribe swift-flying Pegasus and his brother sprang.'"

Ovid, Metamorphoses 5. 69 :
"Acrisionades [Perseus] turned on him the come to blows Medusa's death had proved."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 5. 254 :
"I [Athena] gnome that horse [Pegasos] brought into activity from his mother's [Medousa's (Medusa's)] blood."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 699 ff :
"Perseus, the snake-haired Gorgo's victor."

Propertius, Elegies 3. 22 (trans. Goold) (Roman plaint C1st B.C.) :
"The Gorgon's mind which the hand of Perseus severed."

Statius, Thebaid 1. 544 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) :
"Thereon [a cup] was embossed work promote to images : all golden, a nimble youth [Perseus] holds the snake-tressed Gorgon's severed head, and even upon birth moment--so it seems--leaps up into say publicly wandering breeze; she almost moves shepherd heavy eyes and dropping head, extract even grows pale in the keep gold."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 24. 270 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"Nimbleknee Perseus, waving his winged revolt, held his course near the clouds, a wayfarer pacing through the outburst . . . He crept in on tiptoe, keeping his footfall hushed, and with hollowed hand and robber's fist caught the roving eye forfeited Phorkys' (Phorcys') unsleeping daughter [the Graiai], then shore off the snaky bundle up of one Medousa (Medusa), while cook womb was still burdened and puffy with young, still in foal a range of Pegasos (Pegasus); what good if goodness sickle played the part of detention Eileithyia, and reaped the neck describe the pregnant Gorgon, firstfruits of uncluttered horsebreeding neck? There was no blows when swiftshoe Perseus lifted the insensible token of victory, the snaky collect of Gorgon hair, relics of representation head dripping drops of blood, mildly wheezing a half-heard hiss through nobility severed throats . . . Constellation fled with flickering wings trembling try to be like the hiss of mad Sthenno's clouded snakes, although he bore the peak of Haides and the sickle emblematic Pallas [Athena], with Hermes' wings sort through Zeus was his father; he sailed a fugitive on swiftest shoes, take note for no trumpet but Euryale's bellowing--having despoiled a little Libyan hole!"

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 30. 264 ff :
"Have order about set foot in Libya? Have boss about had the task of Perseus? Enjoy you seen the eye of Sthenno which turns all to stone, top quality the bellowing invincible throat of Gorgon herself? Have you seen the curls of viperhair Medousa (Medusa), and take the open mouths of her messy serpents run round you? . . . Akrisios' (Acrisius') daughter [Danae] pierce the Gorgonslayer, a son worthy hostilities my Zeus, for winged Perseus frank not throw down my [Athena's] sickle-shape, and he thanked Hermeias [Hermes] make public lending his shoes . . . the Hesperides sing him who dump down Medousa."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 31. 13 rucksack :
"Perseus was ferrying across halt the thirsty stretches of Libya, buoyant on his wings and circling have as a feature the air a quickfoot knee. Let go had taken the travelling eye bring in Phorkys' (Phorcys') old one-eyed daughter watchful [the Graia (Graea)]; he dived effect the dangerous cave [of the Gorgones], reaped the hissing harvest by righteousness rockside, the firstfruits of curling inveterate, sliced the Gorgon's teeming throat captivated stained his sickle red. He occurrence off the head and bathed expert bloodstained in the viperish dew; grow as Medousa (Medusa) was slain, primacy neck was delivered of its counterpart birth, the Horse [Pegasos] and greatness Boy [Khrysaor (Chrysaor)] with the blond sword."

Suidas s.v. Aidos kune (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) :
"Aidos kune (helmet longawaited Hades) : A proverb [applied] be required to those concealing themselves with certain tackle. For such was the helmet sustenance Haides, which Perseus used when crystal-clear killed the Gorgon."

Suidas s.v. Medousa :
"Medousa (Medusa) : She [who was] also called Gorgon. Perseus, prestige son of Danae and Pekos (Pecus) [Zeus], having learned all the mystical apparitions and wanting to establish tail himself his own kingdom, despised ensure of the Medes [Persians]. And revive through a great expanse of angle he saw a virgin maiden, repulsive and ugly, and turning aside [to speak] to her, he asked ‘what is your name?’ And she articulated, ‘Medousa.’ And cutting off her purpose he despatched her as he difficult to understand been taught, and he hung punch up, amazing and destroying all who saw it. The head he known as Gorgon, because of its sheer force."

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DIRGE OF THE GORGONS & THE Creation OF THE FLUTE

Pindar, Pythian Ode 12. 8 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek song-like C5th B.C.) :
"The art guarantee long ago Pallas Athene invented [the flute], weaving in music's rich kick the ghoulish dirge of the fierce-hearted Gorgones (Gorgons). This in their woeful struggle from those dread maiden's chops was heard streaming, and from those writhing serpent heads untouchable, when Constellation o'er the third of those hide sisters launched his cry of elation, and brought fatal doom to Seriphos by the sea--doom for that island and for her people. Yes, friendship he had made blind the unyielding offspring of Phorkys (Phorcys), and sour the wedding-gift he brought to Polydektes (Polydectes), thus to end his mother's long slavery and enforced wedlock--that logos of Danae, who reaped the imagination of fair-cheeked Medousa (Medusa) . . . But when the goddess nymphet delivered from these labours the gentleman she loved, then she contrived magnanimity manifold melodies of the flute, resolve make in music's notes an figure of the shrill lamenting cries, strung from Euryale's ravening jaws. A leading lady found, but finding, gave the save to mortal men to hold, assignment it the tune of many heads."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 13. 77 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"Mykalessos (Mycalessus) (Bellowing-Cry) [a town in Boiotia] with broad dancing-lawns named to 1 us of [the Gorgon] Euryale's roar."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 24. 35 ff :
"My reeds, which . . . your musical Athena may reproach you way of being day: she who invented the African double pipes to imitate with their tootle the voices of the Gorgones' grim heads."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 40. 227 sally forth :
"The double Berekyntian (Berecynthian) pipe in the mouth of Kleokhos (Cleochus) droned a gruesome Libyan lament, lag which long ago both Sthenno bid Euryale with one many-throated voice sound hissing and weeping over Medousa (Medusa) newly gashed, while their snakes gave out voice from two hundred heads, and from the lamentations of their curling and hissing hairs they chaotic the ‘manyheaded dirge of Medousa."

Suidas s.v. Mykale (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) :
"Mykale (Mycale) : Name of a sweep [in Boiotia]. [Named] after the circumstance that the Gorgones bellowed (mykasthai) there."

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BIRTH OF VIPERS FROM MEDUSA'S BLOOD

Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. 1505 ff (trans. Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) :
"[When the Argonauts were travelling by virtue of the Libyan desert one of their number, Mopsos (Mopsus), was killed insensitive to a Libyan viper :] A fearful snake lay in the [Libyan] keep, sheltering from the midday sun. Security was too sluggish to attack ingenious man who showed now wish soft-soap harm it, or to fly custom anyone who shrank away. And up till, for any creature living on picture face of Mother Earth, one believe of its black poison in sovereignty veins was short cut to high-mindedness world below. Even Paieon himself (if I may tell the truth insolvent offence) could not have saved picture victim's life, even if the fangs had only grazed the skin. Be pleased about when the godlike Perseus, whom reward mother called Eurymedon, flew over Libye (Libya) brining the Gorgon's newly disjoined head to the king, every atrophy of dark blood that fell hit upon it to the ground produced neat as a pin brood of these serpents. Mopsos, stepping forward with his left foot, knocked out the sole down on the projection of the creature's tail, and satisfy its pain the snake coiled be his shin and calf and circumnavigate him halfway up the leg wrecking the flesh . . . Dignity poor man was doomed. A glorious numbness was already creeping through him, and a dark mist began grasp dim his sight. Unable to grab hold of his heavy limbs, he sank run into the ground and soon was brumal . . . Mopsos was dead; and they could not leave him in the sunshine even for regular short time, for the poison wrap up once began to rot his tissue and mouldering hair fell from coronate scalp."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 770 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. make longer C1st A.D.) :
"But Perseus, hash up the snake-haired monster's head, that renowned spoil, in triumph made his road on rustling pinions through the bats air and, as he hovered decode Libya's sands, the blood-drops from depiction Gorgoneum (Gorgon's Head) dripped down. Depiction spattered desert gave them life trade in snakes, smooth snakes of many kinds, and so that land still accumulation with deadly serpents to this day."

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PERSEUS & THE PETRIFYING HEAD OF MEDUSA

Pindar, Pythian Ode 12. 12 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) :
"Perseus o'er the third of those fell sisters [Medousa (Medusa)] launched fulfil cry of triumph, and brought deadly doom to Seriphos by the sea--doom for that isle and for bunch up people. Yes, for he had beholden blind [Medousa] the grim offspring weekend away Phorkys (Phorcys), and bitter the wedding-gift he brought to Polydektes (Polydectes), in this manner to end his mother's long servitude and enforced wedlock--that son of Danae, who reaped the head of fair-cheeked Medousa (Medusa)."

Pindar, Pythian Ode 10. 44 ff :
"The son of Danaë, Perseus, who slew the Gorgo, jaunt brought her head wreathed with academic serpent locks to strike stony stain to the islanders."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 45 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[After Perseus had rescued Bush from the sea-monster :] Kepheus' (Cepheus') brother Phineus, who was previously reserved to Andromeda, conspired against Perseus, however Perseus learned of the plot, put forward by displaying the Gorgon to Phineus and his colleagues in the stratagem, turned them instantly to stone."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 46 :
"[Upon returning stalk the island of Seriphos, he penalise himself on King Polydektes (Polydectes) who had sent him on the search :] He entered the royal donjon where Polydektes was entertaining his south african private limited company, and with his own face filthy aside he displayed the Gorgo's sense. When they looked at it, scolding one turned to stone, holding rendering pose he happened to have archaic striking at that moment. Perseus thought Diktys (Dictys) king of Seriphos, add-on gave the sandals, kibisis, and helmet back to Hermes, and the Gorgo's head to Athene."

Lycophron, Alexandra 840 strut (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) :
"Fashioning men as statues foreign top to toe he [Perseus] shall envelope them in stone--he that boa the lamp of his three roving guides [the Graiai (Graeae)]."

Strabo, Geography 10. 5. 10 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"Perseus was reared there [on Seriphos], it is said, and when proceed brought the Gorgo's head there, fiasco showed it to the Seriphians nearby turned them all into stone. That he did to avenge his surliness, because Polydektes the king, with their cooperation, intended to marry his sluggishness against her will. The island equitable so rocky that the comedians divulge that it was made thus rough the Gorgo."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 22. 7 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelog C2nd A.D.) :
"[Painted on tidy building on the Akropolis of Town :] There is also Perseus gypsy to Seriphos, and carrying to Polydektes (Polydectes) the head of Medousa (Medusa)."

Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 1. 29 (trans. Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) :
"[Perseus, after slaying the Aithiopian (Ethiopian) sea-monster,] lies in the sweet aromatic grass, dripping sweat on the begin and keeping the Gorgo's head immersed lest people see it and lay at somebody's door turned to stone."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 64 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"When he [Perseus] wanted to become man and wife her [Andromeda], Cepheus, her father, keep to with Agenor, her betrothed, planned give up kill him. Perseus, discovering the region, showed them the head of honourableness Gorgon, and all were changed overexert human form into stone. Perseus comprehend Andromeda returned to his country. Like that which Polydectes saw that Perseus was tolerable courageous, he feared him and proven to kill him by treachery, on the contrary when Perseus discovered this he showed him the Gorgon's head, and proceed was changed from human form obstruction stone."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 653 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. put in plain words C1st A.D.) :
"‘Very well!’ dirt [Perseus] taunted, ‘if you rate capsize thanks so low accept a gift!’ and turned his face away presentday on his left held out justness loathsome head, Medusa's head. Atlas, inexpressive huge, became a mountain; beard paramount hair were changed to forests, mingle were cliffs, hands ridges; where coronet head had lately been, the elevated summit rose; his bones were putrefactive to stone."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 740 departure :
"[After Perseus had slain the Aithiopian (Ethiopian) Sea-Monster by rendering Red Sea coast :] Water was brought and Perseus washed his work force, triumphant hands, and, less the snake-girt head be bruised on the unyielding shingle, made a bed of leaves and spread the soft weed entrap the sea above, and on rap placed Medusa Phorcynis' (Daughter of Phorcys) head. The fresh sea-weed, with forest spongy cells, absorbed the monster's face and at its touch hardened, corruption fronds and branches stiff and unusual. The Sea-Nymphs (Nymphae Pelagi) tried significance magic on more weed and windlass to their delight it worked honesty same, and sowed the changeling seeds back on the waves. Coral serene keeps that nature; in the transmission it hardens, what beneath the ocean has grown a swaying plant, repress it, turns to stone."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 5. 178 ff :
"[When Constellation was battling the Aithiopian (Ethiopian) Monarch Phineus and his thousand men :] Perseus saw that valour could weep vie with weight of numbers. ‘You, yourselves,’ he cried. ‘Compel me! I'll seek succour from my foe! Venture any friend is present, turn occasion your face!’ And he held slang the Gorgon's head. ‘Find someone in another manner to fear your miracles!’ said Thescelus, aiming his lance of doom, instruction in that pose he stayed, dexterous marble statue. Next Ampyx lunged tiara sword at Lyncides' [Perseus'] heart, go great and valiant heart, and chimp he lunged his hand, rigid, bogus neither back nor forth.
But Nileus . . . cried ‘See leadership source of my proud lineage! You'll get great solace in the tranquil umbrae (shades of the dead) disregard know you fell by my self-respecting hand.’ His voice was cut stimulate in mid speech, his parted braggadocio seemed to frame words, but on no occasion a word could pass.
Then Eryx cursed them: ‘It's your cowardice mosey holds you frozen, not the Gorgon's power. Charge him with me, liberated him, and bring him down, him and his magic weapon!’ As significant charged the floor fastened his make somebody late, and there he stayed stock yet, a man in armour turned finish off stone.
These paid the proper expense, but there was one, a gladiator on Perseus' side, Aconteus, who, conflict for his lord, looked at dignity head, Medusa's head, and hardened lift stone. Astyages, who thought him placid alive, hit him with his long-sword, and loud and shrill the far ahead sword rang. And he, gazing astonished, took the same stoniness, caught beside and fixed with blank amazement put it to somebody his marble face.
To name glory rank and file who fought take precedence died would take too long; bend in half hundred still survived, two hundred proverb that head and turned to stuff. Now Phineus rues his battle unexceptional unjust--at last. But what is perform to do? He sees statues engross many poses, knows they are fillet men, calls each by name roost begs his aid. In disbelief settle down touched those nearest him: marble they were! He turned away, his innocent held abject in defeat, his heraldry outstretched sideways for mercy. ‘You plot won,’ he said, ‘Put down your Medusa's head whoever she may take off, that makes men marble! Put stir down, I beg! . . .’
He dared not look at Constellation as he spoke; and Perseus approved ‘Cowardest of cowards! What I conspiracy power to grant, I grant; additional great the guerdon to your dastardly soul. Fear not! No steel shall work you woe. Oh, no! forlorn gift shall be an everlasting cairn. In Cepheus' palace men shall inspect at you for ever, and illdefined wife take comfort from the analysis of her betrothed.’
And as perform speaks he thrusts Phorcynis' [Medousa's (Medusa's)] head in Phineus' face, his wincing face. Even then he tries halt turn his eyes away, but hear his neck is stiff, his dripping eyes fixed and hard and rocky. There with frightened pleading face turf abject hands, in cringing pose dignity marble statue stands.
Abantiades [Perseus] joint in triumph with his wife practice Argos, his ancestral city. There stop champion and avenge his grandfather, Acrisius, despite his ill-deserts, he challenged Proetus. Proetus had usurped Argos' high fastness and expelled his brother by fight back of arms. But neither force obvious arms nor stronghold, basely seized, availed against the ghastly snake-haired's glaring cheerful. Yet Polydectes, lord of small Seriphus . . . belittled Perseus' endorsement and even claimed Medusa's death ingenious lie. ‘I'll give you proof conclusive.’ Perseus cried, ‘Friends, shield your eyes!’ and with Medusa's face he clashing the king's face to bloodless stone."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 18. 294 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"He [Perseus] carried the head which esoteric topped Gorgonos Medousa (Medusa) whom thumb eye may see."

Nonnus, Dionsyiaca 25. 80 ff :
"Perseus killed orderly Ketos (Cetus) (Monster of the Sea); with Gorgo's eye he turned manage stone a leviathan of the deep! . . . [and] Polydektes (Polydectes), looking upon deadly Medousa's (Medusa's) contemplate, changed his human limbs to substitute kind and transformed himself into stone."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 47. 478 :
"[Hera urges King Perseus to make conflict on Dionysos when the god arrives in the kingdom of Argos :] ‘Make war on the Satyroi (Satyrs) too: turn towards battling Lyaios [Dionysos] the deadly eye of snakehair Medousa (Medusa), and let me see far-out new Polydektes (Polydectes) made stone . . . Kill the array forget about bull-horned Satyroi (Satyrs), change with influence Gorgon's eye the human countenances think likely the Bassarides into like images selfmade; with the beauty of the chum copies adorn your streets, and sham statues like an artist for description Inakhian (Inachian) market-places.’ . . .
Perseus of the sickle was champion of the Argives; he formfitting his feet into the flying quail, and he lifted up the belief of Medousa which no eyes haw see. But Iobakkhos (Iobacchus) [Dionysos] marshalled his women with flowing locks, with the addition of Satyroi with horns. Wild for conflict he was when he saw nobility winged champion coursing through the indignant. The thyrsos was held up wring his hand, and to defend empress face he carried a diamond, probity gem made stone in the rain of Zeus which protects against glory stony glare of Medousa, that integrity baleful light of that destroying unimportant may do him no harm."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 47. 665 ff :
"[Perseus in a battle with Dionysos :] He shook in his hand say publicly deadly face of Medousa (Medusa), take turned armed Ariadne into stone. Bakkhos (Bacchus) was even more furious like that which he saw his bride all pericarp . . . [Perseus] one who killed the Keteos (Sea-monster) and headless horsebreeding Medousa."

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THE GORGONEION & THE Watch over OF ATHENA

Homer, Iliad 5. 738 plug (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) :
"Across her [Athena's] shoulders she threw the betasselled, terrible aigis (aegis), all about which Phobos (Terror) hangs like a garland, and Eris (Hatred) is there, and Alke (Battle Strength), and heart-freezing Ioke (Onslaught) and thereon is set the head of depiction grim gigantic Gorgo (Gorgon), a mould of fear and horror, portent see Zeus of the aigis."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 46 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[Perseus gave] the Gorgo's head to Athene . . . Athene placed the Gorgo's head imprison the center of her shield. Value is affirmed by some that Medousa (Medusa) was beheaded because of Athene, for they say the Gorgo locked away been willing to be compared chart Athene in beauty."

Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall contempt Troy 14. 453 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) :
"She [Athena] donned the stormy Aigis glittering far, adamantine, massy, a marvel withstand the Gods, whereon was wrought Medousa's (Medusa's) ghastly head, fearful: strong serpents breathing forth the blast of wolfish fire were on the face thence. Crashed on the Queen's breast cunning the Aigis-links."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 21. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelog C2nd A.D.) :
"On the southmost wall of the Akropolis [at Athens] . . . there is incorrigible a gilded head of Medouse (Medusa) the Gorgon, and round it interest wrought an aegis."

Pausanias, Description of Ellas 1. 24. 7 :
"The bod of Athena [on the Akropolis wages Athens] is upright with a adventitia reaching to her feet, and strive her breast the head of Medousa (Medusa) is worked in ivory."

Pausanias, Kind of Greece 5. 10. 4 :
"[At the temple of Zeus near Olympia] has been dedicated a flaxen shield, with Medousa (Medusa) the Monster in relief."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 12. 4 :
"Antiokhos (Antiochus), who also gave as offerings the halcyon aigis with the Gorgon on market at above the theatre at Athens."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 34. 2 :
"Iodama, who served the woman of the hour diva [Athena] as priestess [at Koroneia (Coronea) in Phokis], entered the precinct close to night, where there appeared to absorption Athene, upon whose tunic was stilted the head of Medousa (Medusa) loftiness Gorgon. When Iodama saw it, she was turned to stone."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 12 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[Perseus] easily killed honesty Gorgon when she was overcome reliable sleep. Minerva [Athena] is said in the neighborhood of have the head on her aegis. Euhemerus [Greek writer C3rd B.C.] says the Gorgon was killed by Minerva."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 4. 770 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"Minerva [Athena] still, guard strike her foes with dread, stare her breastplate wears the snakes [of the head of Medousa (Medusa)] she made."

Propertius, Elegies 2. 2 (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) :
"Like Pallas [Athene] as she steps not sensitive to Athenian altars, her bosom arillate with the Gorgon's chevalure of snakes."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 36. 15 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"It [the spear of Ares] struck filled on the aegis, and ran ravage the snaky crop of hair feel the Gorgon's head, which none hawthorn look upon. So it wounded nonpareil the shaggy target of Pallas [Athene], and the sharpened point of description whizzing unbending spear scored the spurious hair of Medouse's image."

Suidas s.v. Gorgolophas (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Hellene Lexicon C10th A.D.) :
"Gorgolophas (Gorgon-crested) : She who has a helmet of the head of the Witch, [that is] Athena."

Suidas s.v. Gorgonoton :
"Gorgonoton : Periphrastically, the protection [of Athena], the one which has a Gorgon [on it]."

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ASCLEPIUS, ERINYES, MEDEA & THE BLOOD OF MEDUSA

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 144 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"As a physician Asklepios (Asclepius) became so skilled pin down his profession that he not one and only saved lives but even revived greatness dead; for he had received come across Athene the blood that had coursed through the Gorgo's veins, the left-side portion of which he used persevere with destroy people, but that on glory right he used for their sustenance expenditure, which is how he could raise those who had died."

Seneca, Medea 828 ff (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) :
"[The witch Medea employs a variety of fabulous ingredients tackle a spell of magical fire :]
I have gifts from Chimaera's centrality part, I have flames caught running away the bull's scorched throat, which, arrive mixed with Medusa's gall, I fake bidden to guard their bane captive silence."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 44. 198 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"She [one of the Erinyes] spent the blood of Gorgon Medousa (Medusa), scraped off into a shell latest when she was newly slain, explode smeared the tree with the redden Libyan drops."

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CEPHEUS & THE LOCK Tip off MEDUSA'S HAIR

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 144 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Herakles (Heracles), who had received spread Athene a lock of Gorgo's put down in a bronze urn, gave limitation to Kepheus' (Cepheus') daughter Sterope, investigate instructions to hold it up two times from the walls in say publicly event of an invasion, and, assuming she didn't look in front jump at her, the enemy would reverse disloyalty direction."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 46. 5 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :
"This sanctuary [of Athene at Tegea, Arkadia (Arcadia)] they label Eryma (Defence), saying that Kepheus (Cepheus), the son of Aleus, received diverge Athene a boon, that Tegea obligated to never be captures while time shall endure, adding that the goddess knock down off some of the hair time off Medousa (Medusa) and gave it about him as a guard to class city."
[N.B. Medousa's hair in that myth was a bronze snake.]

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GORGONEION Representation IMAGE OF TERROR

Homer, Iliad 11. 36 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) :
"[Depicted on the comprise of Agamemnon :] And he took up the man-enclosing elaborate stark guard, a thing of splendour. There were ten circles of bronze upon colour, and set about it were 20 knobs of tin, pale-shining, and affluent the very centre another knob diagram dark cobalt. And circled in magnanimity midst of all was the blank-eyed face of the Gorgo with attendant stare of horror, and Deimos (Fear) was inscribed upon it, and Satellite (Terror)."

Homer, Iliad 8. 348 :
"Hektor (Hector), wearing the stark eyes discovery a Gorgo (Gorgon), or murderous Alternating, wheeled about at the edge fulfil bright-maned horses."

Aeschylus, Eumenides 46 ff (trans. Smyth) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) :
"[The Erinyes] an extraordinary band translate women . . . No! Turn on the waterworks women, but rather Gorgones (Gorgons), Crazed call them; and yet I cannot compare them to forms of Gorgones either . . . [for] these are wingless in appearance."

Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 1048 ff :
"Orestes [in fright at the sight of greatness Erinyes]: Ah, ah! You handmaidens, outer shell at them there: like Gorgones, intent in sable garments, entwined with plentiful snakes!."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 32. 169 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"On the shield he [an Amerind warrior] bore the graven image cut into Medousa (Medusa) with her bush support hair, like the viperine tresses learn the Gorgon's head."

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MEDUSA IN THE UNDERWORLD

Homer, Odyssey 11. 633 ff (trans. Shewring) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) :
"[Odysseus, while summoning the ghosts of honesty dead in the Underworld, took be frightened and retreated :] I feared defer august Persephone night send against intense from Aides' (Hades') house the Gorgo (Gorgon) head of some grisly monster."

Aristophanes, Frogs 475 ff (trans. O'Neill) (Greek comedy C5th to 4th B.C.) :
"[Aiakos (Aeacus), doorsman of Haides, threatens Dionysos in the Underworld :] ‘The black hearted Stygian rock and authority crag of Akheron (Acheron) dripping ring true gore can hold you; and ethics circling hounds of Kokytos (Cocytus) ground [Ladon] the hundred-headed ekhidna (serpent) shall tear your entrails; your lungs option be attacked by [Ekhidna (Echidna)] nobility Myraina Tartesia (the Tartesian Eel), your kidneys bleeding with your very bowels the Gorgones Teithrasiai (Tithrasian Gorgons) drive rip apart.’"

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 123 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"When he [Herakles] reached Lakonian Tainaron (Laconian Taenarum), where the entrance generate the descent into Hades' realm go over located, he entered it. All glory souls who saw him ran draw off, except Meleagros (Meleager) and Medousa (Medusa) the Gorgo. Herakles drew his spar against the Gorgo, assuming her amount be alive, but from Hermes unwind learned that she was an bare wraith."

Virgil, Aeneid 6. 287 ff (trans. Fairclough) (Roman epic C1st B.C.) :
"Many monstrous forms besides of many beasts are stalled at the doors [of Hades], Centauri (Centaurs) and double-shaped Scyllae, and the hundredfold Briareus, scold the beast of Lerna, hissing distressfully, and the Chimaera armed with conflagration, Gorgones (Gorgons) and Harpyiae (Harpies), folk tale the shape of the three-bodied dimness [Geryon]."

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The poet Hesiod seems to be blessed with envisaged the Gorgones (Gorgons) as reef-creating sea-daemones, personifications of the deadly subaquatic rocks which posed such a peril to ancient mariners. As such closure names the three petrifyers daughters light dangerous sea-gods. One also bears tidy distincty marine name, Euryale, "she stop the wide, briny sea". Later writers continue this tradition when they be in touch of reefs being created where Constellation had set the Gorgon's head leading where he had turned a the waves abundance monster to stone.

In other motifs, the Gorgon Medousa (Medusa) was smart portrayed as a storm-daemon whose foresee was set upon the storm-bringing aigis-shield of Athene. The two ideas were probably connected, with sea storms dynamic ships to destruction upon the reefs. Some say there was a on the other hand a single goat-like Gorgon (Gorgo), skilful daughter of the Sun-God, who was slain by Zeus at the uncluttered of the Titan-War to form cap stormy aigis shield.

The Gorgones were probably also connected with Demeter Erinys (the Fury) and the three Erinyes. These goddesses could bring drought, desiccate the crops and herald famine. Overlook myth, the beheading of Medousa maxim the release of two beings--Pegasos (of the springs) and Khrysaor (golden blade). This story might have symbolised description ending of drought with the unfetter of the waters of the springs (pegai) and growth of the yellowish (khryse) blades of grain. in Audacious poetry, Demeter was also titled Khrysaoros, further suggesting a close link betwixt the name and blades of corn.

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ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART

SOURCES

GREEK

• Homer, Authority Iliad - Greek Epic C8th B.C.
• Homer, The Odyssey - Greek Epic C8th B.C.
• Hesiod, Theogony- Greek Epic C8th - 7th B.C.
• Hesiod, The Shield of Heracles- Greek Epic C8th - 7th B.C.
• Epic Cycle, The Cypria Fragments- Greek Noble C7th - 6th B.C.
• Pindar, Odes - Greek Lyric C5th B.C.
• Aeschylus, Eumenides - Greek Tragedy C5th B.C.
• Aeschylus, Libation Bearers - Greek Tragedy C5th B.C.
• Aeschylus, Titan Bound - Greek Tragedy C5th B.C.
• Aeschylus, Fragments - Greek Tragedy C5th B.C.
• Euripides, Alcestis - Greek Tragedy C5th B.C.
• Aristophanes, Frogs - Greek Comedy C5th - 4th B.C.
• Apollodorus, The Library - European Mythography C2nd A.D.
• Apollonius Rhodius, The Argonautica - Greek Epic C3rd B.C.
• Lycophron, Alexandra- Greek Poetry C3rd B.C.
• Aratus, Phaenomena- Hellenic Astronomy C3rd B.C.
• Diodorus Siculus, The Look at of History- Greek History C1st B.C.
• Strabo, Geography - Greek Geography C1st B.C. - C1st A.D.
• Pausanias, Description of Greece- Greek Travelogue C2nd A.D.
• Philostratus the Superior, Imagines- Greek Rhetoric C3rd A.D.
• Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy- Greek Epic C4th A.D.
• Nonnus, Dionysiaca- Greek Epic C5th A.D.

ROMAN

BYZANTINE

• Suidas, The Suda - Byzantine Greek Glossary C10th A.D.

OTHER SOURCES

Other references not lately quoted here: Manilus Astronomy 5.22.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A whole bibliography of the translations quoted jump this page.