Category: Perseus

Medusa is the daughter of Phorcys and Ceto (even though some say Gorgon is her father). She was born on an island named Sarpedon. Medusa was one of the Gorgon sisters, although, unlike Euryale and Stheno, she was a mortal. There are various accounts of the way Euryale and Stheno have become the dreaded Gorgons we see in literature, even though many resources claim that the 2 sisters were changed into monsters for the perceived ‘crime’ of standing alongside Medusa because of being non-compliant with Athena’s choice to punish Medusa for being ravished in her temple. The tale of Medusa and her sister’s transformation into the Gorgons is both tragic and perceptive. While Medusa is known to be one of the most famous monsters in Greek mythology, there’s particularly little that is recorded of her existence earlier than when she was beheaded by Perseus.

Most of what we know of Medusa comes from her short time serving in Athena’s temple and the way in which her head was used after she was beheaded by Perseus. Though her life itself hasn’t been given much attention in ancient records, the various things that came from her death would cross on to effect historic mythology in endless ways. Though Medusa was recognized to be a perfect young maiden, she decided to pledge herself to Athena – the goddess she considered to be the most powerful of all who resided on Mount Olympus. Her fondness of Athena became reciprocated for a time. It changed into a high-quality compliment for Medusa to pledge herself to Athena because of her exquisite beauty, especially since one of the necessities to be a temple priestess was to stay a virgin. However, Medusa would no longer serve as a priestess for long. Soon after Medusa became a priestess for Athena, she caught the eye of Poseidon. There are several versions with what happened next.

Some variations declare that Medusa was convinced by Poseidon’s advances and developed emotions for him as well. Others declare that she remained dedicated to Athena. Regardless of which version is told, Medusa decides not to leave Athena’s temple because of her loyalty. This is when Poseidon comes to a decision to ravage Medusa in Athena’s temple. Medusa becomes pregnant and is both angered and confused. After being violated by Poseidon, Medusa is devastated. She doesn’t recognize what to do. She had planned on devoting the rest of her life to Athena. She appeals to her goddess and asks for assistance in moving forward. Because Medusa’s virginity was taken by Poseidon and is now pregnant, she is technically his wife, according to the legal guidelines of the day. Athena is enraged that her temple has been desecrated. She doesn’t have any sympathy for Medusa. In fact, she places all blame for the incident on Medusa and comes to a decision to punish her by changing her into a monster so that she is undesirable. Medusa is converted into a horrible beast that has bronze hands and wings. In some variations, her face is disfigured with a beard and fangs, and her hair is converted into a venomous nest of snakes. This is where her sisters are additionally transformed. They are acknowledged to be vicious monsters that take their vengeance on any man that comes onto their island. There are many guys that try however fail to hunt Medusa, until Perseus.

The King wishes to marry Perseus’ mother, however, Perseus won’t allow it. As a trick, the King tells Perseus to bring him the head of Medusa, which is basically a suicide mission. Perseus complies and is turns to the gods to help him on his journey. The gods supply him with tools to assist him. He uses these gifts to kill Medusa. From Athena, he gets a mirrored shield. From Hermes, he gets winged sandals. From Hephaestus, he gets a sword. From Hades, he receives a helm of invisibility. He travels and gathers information that is important to his quest. He then sneaks onto the island of Sapharose and beheads Medusa as she sleeps by using Athena’s mirrored guard to guide his movements so that he doesn’t have to stare at Medusa directly. He tries to sneak off the island, however, Medusa’s body is found by her sisters before he can leave. He is able to escape unseen due to his helm of invisibility.

The sisters are enraged, however not able to do anything but mourn her demise. While Medusa was wrongfully punished by way of Athena and pressured to live the rest of her life as a horrible monster, she experiences some redemption in the loss of life. Because her head was put on Athena’s shield, Medusa’s head became a symbol of protection. In fact, her head went on to encourage one of the most powerful talismans of its time, an amulet. The Gorgoneion is an amulet that bore the head of a Gorgon. This image was notion to hold evil away from folks who invoked its safety through wearing it as a pendant. It became known to show excellent strength, divine lineage, and protection. This is likely due to Zeus and Athena, who had each been acknowledged to wear a Gorgoneion. Throughout time, the story of Medusa has long gone on to inspire many thinkers and artists. The maiden grew to become a monster has inspired many excellent works of artwork and philosophy, and has skilled a reemergence in reputation of the modern day. Among the various historic figures to be excited about Medusa’s story was Sigmund Freud. He took interest in the story of Medusa and what it may represent in phrases of the psychology of youthful men. Feminists additionally like to factor to the situation of Medusa’s descent into the monster world as the criminalization of rape victims that is also seen in modern-day society. Interestingly enough, Medusa’s tale has also been adopted by way of Nihilists (those that believe life is meaningless). They use the symbolism of being not able to see Medusa’s eyes as a symbol of human beings navigating the world. It is their notion that human beings hold their eyes down to keep away from facing reality. Although Medusa changed into a devout priestess to Athena, she became a criminal for being violated by Poseidon and is unjustly punished for a situation she had no manage over. This part of Medusa’s tale gives clear insight at the gods’ angle of mortals, that they are meaningless pawns in a game that existed earlier than their birth, and will continue to even when they’re long gone. Medusa is a story of the notable injustice that is suffered by those who have done nothing wrong and the importance of these injustices to the greater powers of the world.

Perseus and his heroic deeds

A long, long time ago there were two brothers Acrisius and Proetus. When their father died, the brothers fought for the throne before Acrisius defeated Proetus and assumed his father’s position. Acrisius was happy. Although he had no son or heir, Acrisius and his wife were blessed with a beautiful daughter Danaë. With no heir to the throne, Acrisius went to the oracle and asked if he would ever get a son, but instead, he was told that the son of Danaë, his grandson, would kill him. Acrisius feared his fate and tried everything to avoid it, so he looks his daughter in a chamber beneath the ground so no man could ever touch her. But after all his efforts Danaë ended up carrying Zeus’ child. Zeus was able to access the beautiful woman through the walls of the chamber and came to her as a shower of gold, pouring through the skylight. Danaë gave birth to a demigod nine months later named Perseus.

Acrisius was outraged to learn that his daughter was pregnant and feared for his own survival. He locked her and Perseus in a strong wooden chest and cast her into the sea, thinking he would finally get rid of both mother and child. The chest was tossed about on the waves for days until it was caught in the fishing nets of Dictys, the brother of the ruler of the island Polydectes, off the coast of Seriphos. Dictys gave Danaë and Perseus a home on the island, and Perseus grew into manhood. Polydectes had fallen in love with Danaë, but Perseus prevented his attempts. Polydectes claimed to be in love with someone else, married her, and started collecting contributions for a wedding gift for her. Polydectes requested simple things like horses and fruits from the citizens, but he demanded the head of Medusa from Perseus. Anyone who looked at Medusa was immediately turned into stone. Polydectes knew that and hoped to get rid of Perseus.

Medusa was once a stunning young Athena priestess who drew the attention of many men. Poseidon, the god of the sea, struck her one fateful day when she was making her offerings to Athena in the temple. When Athena saw what was going on in her temple, she became enraged and cast a spell that turned Medusa’s lovely soft hair into snakes and changed her face into something so hideous that everyone who looked at her would turn to stone. Medusa was expelled from the temple and exiled to the farthest reaches of the world, surrounded by stone statues of men and beasts that had gotten too close to her and seen her face.

Taking up Polydecte’s challenge, Perseus declared that he would get the head of Medusa.

Perseus was favored by Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. With their help, he set out to find the three Graeae sisters. The three Graeae sisters have been old women since birth and were guardians of Medusa. They all shared one eye and one tooth, which Perseus snatched as the sisters passed them around. The sisters now had to help him, or else remain blind and toothless, the sisters led him to some nymphs who gave him the winged sandals of Hermes, the cap of darkness belonging to Hades, which made the wearer invisible, and a bag in which to put Medusa’s head. Hermes provided him with a sword to cut off the head of Medusa and Athena gave him a shining bronze shield. And with all the items, Perseus set off to find Medusa.

Medusa was asleep when he arrived. Perseus summoned all his courage and began to approach quietly, walking backward, guided by the reflection in his shining shield. As he stood over Athena guided his hand and with a wide powerful backward sweep of his arm he cut off the head of Medusa with the sword. The second the head parted from the neck, a winged horse Pegasus and his human brother Chrysaor sprang out of Medusa’s neck. Without looking Perseus put the head into the bang and began to leave.

He flew over Libya with blood dripping from the bag, and the droplets from Medusa’s head turned into snakes as soon as they reached the sand below.

As night fell, he landed in Atlas’ kingdom. Atlas was a giant who had never fought for or against the gods during the ten-year conflict. As a result, Zeus singled him out and made him hold up the sky as a punishment. Perseus asked Atlas if he should sleep for the night, but Atlas recalled an oracle warning him that a son of Zeus would one day steal his golden fruit. As a result, Atlas denied Perseus’ request and ordered him to leave. In exchange, Perseus showed him Medusa’s head, which instantly turned him to stone. Atlas is said to still stand as a mountain on Earth, forever keeping up the sky.

Perseus flew across many nations, until he came to the land of Ethiopia, ruled by King Cepheus, whose wife was the beautiful Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia was a narcissistic woman who constantly boasted about her beauty to anyone who would listen. Of course, this infuriated the sea nymphs, who called upon Poseidon to flood the city and send a grotesque sea creature to devour its people. Cepheus’ only choice was to give the creature his daughter, Andromeda, in the hopes of saving his kingdom. Perseus saw Andromeda bound to a pole on a cliff overlooking the sea from above. He initially mistook her for a marble statue because she was so stunning and still. Andromeda’s parents were both worried and waiting for the creature to appear before Perseus swooped down from the sky. In exchange for their daughter Andromeda, he made a bargain to slay the sea monster. Perseus turned around and confronted the charging monster after the king and queen agreed to his terms. He charged at it, slicing and stabbing it until it stopped thrashing and began to sink into the water.

As the beast was slain and Andromeda was set free, all the spectators cheered. Perseus cleansed his sword of blood, made sacrifices to Hermes and Athena, and married Andromeda. However, on the day of their wedding, Phineus appeared. Then Perseus had to deal with Phineus and his supporters. Andromeda stormed out of the fight, enraged that her special day had been ruined. Perseus drew out the head of Medusa once more, turning Phineus and his followers to stone.

Perseus returned to Seriphos and entered the palace, where Polydectes and his friends awaited him and the head of Medusa with bated breath. Perseus then displayed the head in front of Polydectes and his companions, turning them all to stone.

Perseus chose Dictys to be the new king of Seriphos since Seriphos had no king. Perseus returned the winged sandals, Hades’ hat, and the bag to Hermes while presenting the head of Medusa to Athena. It was later placed in the middle of Athena’s shield, and it has since become a sign of defense.

Perseus, his wife, and his mother Danaë all traveled to Argos, Perseus’ birthplace, after completing his quest. Acrisius, the father of Danaë and grandfather of Perseus, fled the land when he heard Pereus approaching.

The king of Larissa, on the other hand, was playing sporting games one day. Perseus signed up to play, unaware that his grandfather was among the audience. When it was Perseus’ turn to throw the discus, he hurled it with such force that it plummeted into the stands, colliding with Acrisius’ head and killing him instantly in front of all the spectators.

The prophecy that Acrisius would be killed by his grandson came true.

Perseus was the only male heir to his grandfather’s kingdom. He was embarrassed by how he had acquired the kingdom, so he made a bargain with the king of Tiryns. The king of Tiryns agreed, and their kingdoms were swapped.

The painting Perseus and Andromeda or better known as Perseus rescues Andromeda was created by Peter Paul Rubens in 1622. This work of art remained in Rubens’s house until his death, and was then obtained by and housed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. This oil painting tells the story of Perseus returning from slaying Medusa to save Andromeda. It depicts Perseus holding the head of Medusa and loosening the chains on Andromeda, while partially showing Pegasus, the goddess of glory and Cetus the Sea Monster, who was slain earlier.

Perseus and Andromeda was created by Rubens during the Flemish Baroque painting period, which lasted from 1608-1700. This painting period originated in Flanders, a Flemish region of Belgium. Flemish painters, whose paintings had Northern and Italian influences, were the basis of this time period, but it was Rubens who blended the two together and became a catalyst for this Flemish age. Oil painting was a largely exported technique in the Flemish Baroque painting period, and was used on many works such as: The Honeysuckle Bower, Prometheus Bound, and Venus and Adonis. Many paintings in this time period were also not limited to displaying various events, but were also given other significance. A good example is Perseus and Andromeda, because it was also given political significance to symbolize abuse and freedom from enemies. The use of oil painting, Northern-Italian influences, and multiple significances make Perseus and Andromeda very typical of its Flemish time period.

In his painting Perseus and Andromeda, Rubens wanted to primarily portray the liberation of Andromeda from the imprisonment of Cetus the sea monster. Pegasus partially appearing in the picture symbolizes the glory of Perseus slaying Medusa and Cetus, as well as freeing Andromeda. I think that this work by Rubens is an important piece of art because it summarizes the whole tale of Perseus and Andromeda through one painting. I also think that Cetus at the feet of Perseus and Medusa’s head in Perseus’s hand represent victory and freedom from the tyrannous rampage of the sea monster and the hideous Gorgon.

The god I would like to be is Hermes, the Messenger God, because he is very loyal. This is shown in many cases in his loyalty to Zeus, his father, and will almost do anything for him without second thought. As an adult, Hermes was named the Messenger God because he could run and fly as fast as the wind with his winged hat and sandals. Hermes would always get his tasks done and deliver the messages he was assigned from the gods.

Although Hermes was very loyal he had a downside; he was also the god of thieves. Even as a newborn, his thievery was displayed when he stole the cattle from Apollo. When he was questioned by his father, Zeus, he denied everything. Hermes continued his mischief throughout his life and wouldn’t tell the truth very often. Hermes also wasn’t a very good father because his son, Autolycus, also ended up becoming a thief.

Hermes would set a great example in today’s world because of the good characteristics he possesses. He would inspire people to show great loyalty to their superiors and also motivate dedication in the world. Hermes would be a great addition into today’s world because people would be encouraged to work harder because of him, and the world would start turning into a much better place than ever seen before.

Being known as a hero is a great honor. You are held in high esteem by people all over the world. You have great fame and sometimes even great fortune. But to become a hero is a challenging path. It requires you to have great strength of character, being honorable and arising to trustworthiness. Sometimes the path can be physically challenging and at times bravery and will are tested. You must be willing to sacrifice whatever is required of you to help another; to go beyond your individual self. You must be ready and prepared to die to save someone else’s life while losing yours.

Now we travel back to an era many centuries past, between 550 and 220 BC, to a modest cottage on a remote Greek island named Seriphos where a small boy and his mother were found in a locked chest floating upon the ocean. Now fast forward about 16 years. This young boy has grown up into a brave and adventurous man who is tenacious and determined to seek glory while at the same time, protecting and showing devotion to his mother. He is named Perseus, the son of Zeus. Perseus is technically considered a hero according to the ways of the gods; he being born of a god and the son of the god of all gods. But will he turn out to be a true hero? I say that this is a no.

The dictionary defines a hero to be someone of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. Perseus does not fit this definition or description. It is true that he is admired because of the tasks and situations he had to overcome, even though it could be stated that he did nothing but walk by himself. He had a lot of assistance and support along the way throughout his many adventures.

All throughout Perseus’ heroic quest, he has gods holding each of his hands, protecting and aiding him in his journeys. In fact, when Perseus started his escapade, he didn’t even bring a sword or a shield knowing that he would have to eventually have to fight and slay Medusa, the evil, snake-haired Gorgon with very hard scales who with a look that could turn men into stone. Medusa also had her two sisters which are immortal and would eat any man whom they caught in their clutches. All three of them lived on a desolate island that was very difficult to find. Knowing his quest was to find Medusa and slay her, he wandered around Greece searching for someone whom had information about the Gorgon sisters. His travels were in vain and his inquisitions were fruitless.

Perseus was in so much despair after his searching that he was contemplated giving up his pursuit. Unexpectedly, the God Hermes, who was the god of travelers, and the Goddess Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom and strategy, stood before Perseus and offered their help. They were sent there by Zeus to assist him on his quest to eradicate Medusa. They presented him with two gifts, the breastplate of Athena which was used as a reflective surface to gaze at Medusa and an unbreakable sword.

Hermes flew Perseus to the island where three witches lived. The witches had one eye that they shared between themselves. While the witches were in the process of exchanging whom had the possession of the eye, Perseus snatched it from them and threatened to throw the eye off the mountain unless the witches told him where to find Hera’s garden. There in Hera’s garden, Perseus would be able to find even more items to assist him in his mission. The witches told Perseus where the garden was located. After he received the information Perseus threw back the eye towards the witches which confused them, giving Perseus the opportunity to escape and set off towards Hera’s garden.

When Perseus found Hera’s garden, he was welcomed by many different nymphs that gave him three objects; Hades’ helm of invisibility, flying sandals, and a magic wallet that grew and shrunk to fit whatever item it was to hold. The nymphs sent Perseus on his way. He was encouraged and prepared to destroy Medusa. Still Perseus did not know where to find the island where the Gorgons lived. Hermes told Perseus to simply to follow him because Hermes knew where the Gorgons lived.

So Perseus flew to the island of the Gorgons and lucky enough he finds the three Gorgons asleep. Now Perseus has to choose the correct sister to slay. He has a one of three chance of choosing the right Gorgon. If Perseus chooses the wrong Gorgon, his sword will just bounce off and would not harm the Gorgon which would lead to them all waking up and kill Perseus. But, of course, instead of making it somewhat hard for him, Athena and Hermes fly right above Medusa, point down, and whisper to Perseus; this is her. So Perseus flies backward, always looking into the breastplate searching for Medusa’s reflection. Perseus asks Athena to guide his hand to cut off Medusas’ head. Medusa’s sisters woke up and looked around to find Perseus but could not because he was invisible. After Perseus beheads Medusa, he places her head in the magic wallet and flew away using his flying sandals. Perseus returns home to a somewhat warm welcome. Polydectes, who had sent him on the quest to get rid of him, wasn’t very happy with Perseus’ return. So Perseus turned him to stone with Medusa’s head.

Now I ask again, is Perseus really a hero? Well by Greek definition he is. But is he a true hero? Well, let us look over the facts one more time. Perseus is not very skilled physically or mentally. Due to the lack of his abilities, Perseus has to be guided and told how to become successful. He did not have to put thought or reason into his decisions. In fact, it definitely is reasonable to say Perseus did not sacrifice or risk death. In fact the hardest thing he probably has to do was walk. So I ask once more is Perseus a true hero? No, I don’t believe he is at all.

There is a famous Greek myth about Perseus and Medusa. In Greek mythology, the Greek hero beheaded Medusa. A representation of this myth is present in the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. It is a painting by the Italian artist Luca Giordano that dates from ca. 1680. This oil on canvas belongs to the Baroque period. It is a great representation of the period because it shows the main characteristics of Baroque art. It should be included in the next edition of Gardner’s Art Through the Ages book.

The Slaying of the Medusa by Luca Giordano is a rectangular painting. Painted with the oil on canvas traditional technique, it measures 40 x 135 inches. It was gifted to the museum by the Nixon family. The painting presents three characters. They are Perseus, Medusa, and Athena. The historical context will be explained later on, but for now, the only thing to know is that Perseus is fighting Medusa with the help of Athena.

This painting presents a naked woman laying defeated on a rock. If we look closer to her, she has snakes coming out from her hair. She isn’t a human, she is Medusa. Then, in the center of the painting, we have a man in a heroic pose. This man is Perseus. He is lifting his sword while looking at a shield. He is actually looking at Medusa in the reflection of the shield. The reason will be explained later when we go in deep into the context of this painting. The woman carrying the shield is the Greek goddess Athena. The whole scene is a representation of an important Greek myth.

Focusing on the visual characteristics of the artwork, we find a great representation of Baroque. The main characteristic of Baroque is a very contorted style. This painting is full of details. Starting with the background, the sky is very colorful. Giordano used different colors to represent clouds. It looks like there is a storm right above the battlefield because of the black clouds, but farther, the sky looks blue. There is the idea of Tenebrism, the use of strong contrasts of light and dark to create drama in a painting. It is some kind of chiaroscuro. The painting looks alive, which is another characteristic of Baroque. There is a fight going on and the painting clearly shows movement and tension in the characters. It looks really dramatic, Perseus is standing in a heroic pose. He just defeated Medusa and is about to cut her head. The painting shows excessive details in the faces, bodies, clothing, weapons, and background. This painting is an excellent representation of the Baroque style.

In order to completely understand the painting, we have to understand the context of this fight. Perseus, son of Zeus, was sent to a dangerous mission by the King Polydectes. The king wanted to marry Danae, Perseus’ mother, and he knew that Perseus won’t permit it. The king sent Perseus to bring him the head of the Gorgon Medusa thinking that he will never come back. Medusa was the only mortal of three sisters. She was a beautiful woman and Poseidon was crazy about her, but she rejected him. Poseidon decided to punish her by turning her into a monster. He put live snakes to cover her head. She remained beautiful, but she was a monster and whoever looked into her face was turned into stone.

Perseus began his dangerous mission by going to the end of the world where the Gorgons lived. Athena and Hermes helped him and provided winged sandals, a cap to make him invisible, a sword, and a mirrored shield. This is the mirrored shield shown in the painting. The scene shows Perseus looking at Medusa’s reflection in the shield. If he looked at her directly, he will be converted into stone. Athena helped him by holding the shield and Perseus was able to kill Medusa. This is the scene shown in the painting. Perseus was about to behead Medusa and complete his task with the help of Athena.

The myth of Perseus and Medusa has been a powerful inspiration for many artists. Paintings and sculptures of Perseus beheading Medusa are famous all over the world. This was a painting by Luca Giordano, it clearly reflects the main characteristics of Baroque while representing this ancient myth. Other Baroque artists that inspired his art on this myth was Caravaggio. He has a painting of Medusa’s head placed in the shield. The myth has been very influential back in the Baroque period, but it remains to be an inspiration for different Hollywood movies of our times.

This painting will be a perfect addition for chapter 20 in Gardner’s book. The Slaying of the Medusa by Luca Giordano presents a perfect representation of the Baroque period. More important than the representation of Baroque itself is the fact that Luca Giordano paints about a Greek myth that originated thousands of years before him. Paintings like this one show the legacy of the ancient Greek culture. Greek myths that started in the 18th century BCE are still being addressed today. Painters like Giordano helped to keep these myths alive. The myth of Medusa and Perseus lives forever in Giordano’s painting and it is the legacy of the Ancient Greek culture. This painting should be included in chapter 20 of the next edition of Gardner’s Art Through the Ages because it is an excellent representation of the Baroque period and it shows the legacy of one of the most influential ancient cultures.