Perseus and Medusa
Perseus and Medusa is a Greek myth about a hero who kills a Gorgon whose gaze turns people to stone. In the most common version, Perseus avoids her gaze by watching her reflection in a shield. The story links courage with cunning and divine help.
Key stories of Perseus and Medusa
The killing of Medusa
Sent to fetch Medusa’s head, Perseus receives divine help and special equipment. He approaches the sleeping Gorgon by watching her reflection, then cuts off her head.
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Perseus describes seeing Medusa reflected in his bronze shield. When he cuts off her head, the winged horse Pegasus springs from her blood.
In Metamorphoses by Ovid
The rescue of Andromeda
On his journey home, Perseus finds Andromeda chained to a rock as an offering to a sea monster. He kills the monster and wins the right to marry her.
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Perseus spots Andromeda from the air and descends to help her. He fights the sea monster with his sword.
In Metamorphoses by Ovid
The power of Medusa’s head
Medusa’s severed head keeps its power to turn people to stone. Perseus uses it against enemies even after his original task is complete.
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Phineus attacks during Perseus and Andromeda’s wedding feast. Perseus eventually raises Medusa’s head and turns Phineus and his remaining followers to stone.
In Metamorphoses by Ovid
How to recognise Perseus and Medusa in stories
- Look for a snake-haired face that turns onlookers to stone.
- Notice a hero using a reflective shield to avoid a direct gaze.
- Watch for a severed head used as a weapon.
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How does Perseus avoid being turned to stone?
Perseus avoids Medusa’s direct gaze by looking at her reflection in a shield. In the most common version, he attacks while she sleeps. The reflection lets him guide his weapon without meeting the gaze that would turn him to stone.
Was Medusa always a monster?
Medusa’s origin differs between traditions. Some accounts present her as a Gorgon from birth. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, she was once a beautiful woman, and Minerva changes her hair into snakes after Neptune violates her in the goddess’s temple.
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