The story has always been heavily discussed by classics scholars because of the very gendered image of Perseus cutting Medusas head off and the castration anxiety that became very popular around any type of chopping in psychoanalysis, especially after Sigmund Freuds Das Medusenhaupt (Medusas Head) was published in 1940 after his death. 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. Shes been found on houses, tombs, walls of cities, and temples (including the famous example, the Temple of Artemis in Corfu, which is what my paper circles around). She represented the beauty of the female gender and advocated for it. these associations, Medusa is a purely sexual symbol that pertains to the sexual anxieties of women. She was regarded as the patron and protector of various cities across Greece, especially Athens, from which she gets her name. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then her severed head, capable of transfixion even in death, is carted away to help him defeat the villain of his story. There is a painful recognition in the fact that Medusas head the center of her knowledge and power is taken from her in order to empower a man and to fight his battles for him. The phallocentric understanding of Medusa that attempts to claim her as an erotic object denies her of her full power of speech, thought, and importance. She was cold, calculated, and terrifying. Though there is much to say about the tragedy of Medusa's story, she became a formidable foe. Modern feminism often uses Medusa as a symbol of their rage against the stigmatization of female sexuality. Snakes shed their skin regularly, which symbolizes the death of their previous self and grow into their new skins during their rebirth. is derived from a conviction that women lack a penis. If she had not sworn an oath of celibacy, She might not suffer the grave consequences that befell her after Poseidon slept with her. Medusa - whose name probably comes from the Ancient Greek word for "guardian" - was one of the three Gorgons, daughters of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, and sisters of the Graeae, Echidna, and Ladon. Ideally, Medusa's face is so repulsive and terrifying that it will repel evil entities. It is said that everyone has a masculine and feminine self. However, the spiritual world can communicate different messages to you. According to ancient history, it is recorded that medusa was one of the prettiest goddesses in the universe. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. If men have Medusa in their dreams, according to Freud and Ferencai, it is the terrifying mother syndrome with a castration An early 1800s plaster cast from the studio of Antonio Canova showspreparation for the marble statue that now presides over the Mets European Sculpture Court. It also speaks of the power to generate new ideas for accomplishing a given task. Moreover, the Gorgon was also seen as a symbol of protection to ward off the evils and negativity of life. As a result, she symbolizes both death and rebirth. Just like movies like clash of the titans, she is a powerful spiritual entity that exists in ancient greek mythology. However, seeing her in your dream changes the narrative. 11 Spiritual Meanings, Medusa Spiritual Meaning: 11 Spiritual Messages, 10) Everything is turning out to your good. The Greeks believed most snakes to be poisonous as well which represents the end of a life cycle. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. Medusa was a beautiful woman who was raped, killed and beheaded by various gods. However, what people dont know is that medusas bracelet carries the same power. Across the internet, this sculpture has become a symbol of feminine rage for women fighting back against male oppression and, in a way, Medusa is the perfect face for the feminist movement: a woman who had her bodily autonomy taken from her, was cursed, forced to live a life she did not choose, but yet was still immensely powerful. But she forsook her vows to consummate the reciprocated love of Poseidon - God of the Sea. Save. She has a stern stare that prevents evil people from glancing at you with their jealous stare. . If humans werent so tempting then maybe most of the male gods wouldnt be serial rapists. Men are trash even in ancient greece, we been knew. This is especially true with the character of Medusa, because while the feminist reclaimed version is the one many of us have come to know, it wasnt always the way Medusa was written. Chariot pole finial with the head of Medusa (detail) (Roman, Imperial, 1st2nd century CE), bronze, silver, and copper, height: 7 1/4 inches, width: 7 inches; diameter: 4 1/4 inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Rogers Fund, 1918). She may also be accessed as a living goddess by those seeking menstrual, serpentine mysteries. The answer you seek might just be around the corner. Some believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. The 11 spiritual messages of the medusa goddess can help you understand more about your life and the virtues you carry. Beyond the stories we have heard about this goddess, there are things to learn from her, which can be applied to our daily living. Therefore, anytime you see this image around (during a confusing situation), it is a sign that you should pay close attention to. What does it mean when Animals Come to You? Bronze greave (shin guard) for the left leg with Medusa head (Greek, 4th century BCE), bronze, width: 4 7/8 inches; length: 15 3/4inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. Rosen, 1991). She was likened to the modern evil eye and people believed that they needed an image of evil to ward off other evils that could affect them. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. Indian artist Diptej Vernekar attached puppets of Hindu avatars to exercise equipment that anyone could activate and engage with. The mythologically beheaded woman is seen (or at least partially seen) does not see; she is blinded and those who have beheaded her are blinded to her real nature. 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. Returning to those startling early images of Medusa, with her bared teeth and frightful snake hair, theres a narrative here on how transforming her into something benignly ornamental was another level of control. She is the opposite of what Michael Foucault called, docile bodies. A concept in which women are expected to conform and submit to the enforced codes and structures of a patriarchal society. There is an alluring nature to Medusa, as she is both siren and saint she is the complicated woman we all understand and fear. 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. Like the evil eye, the Medusa is an apotropaic symbol that protects from evil. She represented the sexuality of men and the ancient Greeks views towards women. It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. 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. Medusa was protective of her chastity and rejected Poseidons advances when the God tried to seduce her. Gorgon Medusa. The earliest portrayals of Medusa show a grotesque part human, part animal creature with wings and boar-like tusks. Medusas beheading is the ultimate offense because it involves a complete dismemberment, a permanence within the male gaze, and a double darkness. According to Hlne Cixous article The Laugh of Medusa, she claims that. 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. Worth looking into it, if youre curious. An. Medusa Tattoo Designs 1. At this point, Medusas head became a desired trophy for many warriors who wanted to brave her fierce monster-like powers. Her image was used in Byzantine Greece to protect pregnant women and newborns. Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art, in a 2017 essay on Medusa in Ancient Greek Art, which you can also hear on the Mets site, From Ancient Egypt to Teotihuacn, Centuries-Old Palettes Illuminate the Role of the Painter, Tucked Away in LA For Decades, 2,000-Year-Old Roman Mosaic Returns to Italy, Manhattan DA to Seize Looted Hindu Artifact From Met Museum, Roe v. Wade Case Documents Fetch Over $600K at Auction, At the Outsider Art Fair, Passion Trumps Prestige, The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD Arrives in New York. 7 Spiritual Meanings of Slugs in the House: Is it Good Luck? In her 2017 book Women & Power: A Manifesto, classicist Mary Beard explores how the image of Medusa is used to skewer women in contemporary politics, from Angela Merkel to Hillary Clinton (with Trump as Perseus in a popular manifestation). This is exactly why the story of Medusa continues to captivate us because she is a character that demands to be reimagined, she pushes back against the story that places Perseus at its center, who claims him to be blameless and heroic. It is said that medusa was known for her innate wisdom, and many earlier scientists drew their great intellects and discoveries from her. This was to ensure that no man will ever be able to look at her anymore. After Perseus removed Medusa's head, some stories claim that he gifted it to Athena. It speaks about the ability to handle complex situations, and deal with hard tasks. To this moment, her beautiful face remains even with the snake on her head. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. Medusa remains the. There are numerous images of Medusa in an almost angel-like state, or even once she had been cursed, images where the snakes in her hair function as more of an accessory rather than something fearsome. Cixous disagrees with this analysis. The rebooted TV series Charmed just did an episode touching on this, and it was really powerful because of all the work done to reclaim the character by pop culture. Medusa was r*ped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena was wrong for punishing her. Emailus. The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling. She is assuring you that God will fight your battles, and help you to become victorious over your enemies. Additionally, the snakes in her hair can symbolize wisdom, healing, and . In myth Medusa was the granddaughter of the earth (Gaia) and the ocean (Oceanus), a beautiful mortal Gorgon maiden sworn to celibacy to fulfill her duties as an attendant to Athena. The Medusa tattoo features a snake-haired young woman, representing the might of women. the mouth becoming the vagina) the woman, in essence, loses her voice, or rather she is denied of her voice. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong about anything! 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. Reading Carol Ann Duffy's The World's Wife has got me thinking about historic women, particularly Medusa. Ive seen a lot of variations of her myths that paint her as a vengeful monster, a symbol of feminine rage, or a protective one. Press J to jump to the feed. Her decapitation is in direct result of male anxiety about maintaining power and control. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon, one of three monstrous sisters comprised of Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale. Her existence reflected on the behavior of men during ancient times in Greece and shows how much have we advanced since then. The Gorgon's head (or the head of Medusa) is a symbol of terror, death and divine magical power, in Greek mythology. Use this symbol to keep you safe on your travels as did ancient sailors who would paint it on the sides of their boats. What does the Palm Tree Symbolize? Medusa is known as the god of philosophy, beauty, and art. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. women in power (or fighting for power) have been compared to Medusa, from Marie Antoinette to the suffragettes. Hyperallergic is a forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking about art in the world today. Because I want to look into pendants that I can wear as protective talismans, and I think a Medusa one would be a good fit, but Im worried about drawing the attention of a vengeful monster. "In a male-centered society, the feminization of monsters served to demonize women," she said. Her petrifying gaze turns men into stone but only towards those who look at her hideous appearance. In some cases, Medusa was even considered to be a symbol of fertility. In 1950 his uncompleted essay, Medusas Head, was posthumously published. Her beauty and wisdom were her confidence and she was respected in the greek world of gods. Whether you see her as a monster or more of that, the fact is that Medusa slithering her way into being more than meets the eye. Medusa, who is often evil herself in these tellings, is used as a figure to repel other evil forces. Athena grows jealous, as many men flock to her, only to glance at Medusa instead. Before she was cursed for sleeping the Poseidon, medusa was a beautiful goddess and queen. What does the Medusa symbolize? Installation view of Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (photo by the author for Hyperallergic), Terracotta pelike (jar) with Perseus beheading the sleeping Medusa, attributed to Polygnotos (Greek, 450440 BCE), terracotta, height: 18 13/16 inches, diameter: 13 1/2 inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1945), Madeleine Glennonin a 2017 essay on Medusa in Ancient Greek Artfor the Met notes thatClassical and Hellenistic images of Medusa are more human, but she retains a sense of the unknown through specific supernatural details such as wings and snakes. Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo, California State University - Los Angeles, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, California State University, Channel Islands, Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Federal University Of Agriculture Abeokuta, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico San German campus, Keiser University - Latin American Campus, London School of Economics and Political Science, California State University of Sacramento, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, University of South Florida - St. Petersburg, William Paterson University of New Jersey. You only need to maintain a positive approach towards life and have a little faith. While there were some hints at Medusa once being a beautiful woman, that narrative didnt really get popular until the Roman poet Ovid wrote Metamorphoses, which contained 15 books and over 250 myths, including his version of the Medusa story. According to various sources, Medusa was the only Gorgon who was mortal, so she was able to be beheaded by the Greek hero, Perseus. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. On view in NYC. the hair as a phallic symbol) is also a sexualization of the female head. When Athena discovers that Posidon has raped Medusa, she chooses to blame her rather than him. The tattoo design is empowering for women and can also be seductive. I was thinking of getting one for my home then I made a painted wood thing invoking Heracles for protection as mentioned in Greek Religion. This message is meant to keep you alert at all times. If the sexualization of the female head causes subjectivity of the woman, then I argue that Freuds analysis (i.e. The lotus flower is largely symbolic and has implied different concepts through history, such as purity, detachment, enlightenment, and spirituality. We dont have many of her temples around today, but she was once worshipped as a goddess in the past. A new intersectional publication, geared towards voices, values, and identities! All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. This began with the greeks and later flowed down to every other culture. "I believe the Medusa tattoo is the perfect visual depiction of a survivor's journey from pain to resilience, strength, empowerment and self-preservationa protective symbol, as she has the. The labrys symbolism is found in Minoan, Thracian, Greek, and Byzantine religion, mythology, and art, dating from the Middle Bronze Age onwards. This was what attracted Poseidon to her. Pastimes include playing with words, using my passport, and eating croissants. In this version of the myth, Medusa is instead a beautiful womxn. Medusas story showed us the representation of women in ancient Greek society and how people viewed them. Overall, yes it is okay, and I think I wish to work with her, too. Whenever you see a medusa sign, it is believed to have a close alliance with ancient wisdom and philosophy. If you also desire wisdom and deep understanding, keep a medusa bracelet with you and mediate on it constantly. The snake-like strands of hair also represent the cunning ability of snakes, which gives additional wisdom. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. The goddess's shield has a gorgon head in the center. However, she found a way to remain relevant. What does this mean? Evil Eye. The god of the sea and of earthquakes, Poseidon had also some animals sacred to him. Horse, dolphin, the Cretan bull. 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. feelings originating in powerful oral impulses, and, for women, a means for resolving in fantasy the resentment arising from the lack of a penis. She is the symbol of what female power looks like in the face of threatened male authority. Today Medusa, with her snake hair and stare that turns people to stone, endures as an allegorical figure of fatal beauty, or a ready image for superimposing the face of a detested woman in power. Among them, the most prominent was the horse, a symbol of valor and beauty since he himself fathered many horses, the best-known being the winged horse Pegasus by the Gorgon Medusa. If you purchase something through our links, The Mary Sue may earn an affiliate commission., Have a tip we should know? In it, a nude Perseus proudly presents the dead Gorgons head in one hand, grasping some of the hair that writhes with a few subtle serpents. The beginning of the cycle represents an opportunity to bring in new life while the later parts represent the end of life. Now Medusa is now seen as a feminist icon as her ability to turn men into stone can be seen as a way to empower womxn; as Poet Percy Shelley writes about the snaked hair womxns powers as both being full of grace and terror. Did the monstrous Gorgon bear any children that 13 Frequently Asked Questions About Medusa. This is another caution sign from medusa. Just like any other figure in Greek mythology, Medusa had her own symbols that represented things in the culture of Greece. The moving image artist will discuss her investigative practice and the implications of digital image proliferation, taking place via livestream and in Philadelphia. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Business, Economics, and Finance. In ancient Greece, women were usually accused of provoking men with their image or their personality and are usually blamed when anything happens to them. She went against her vow and married him. Medusa was one of three daughters born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. Freud considered that as a result, she became the unapproachable woman who repels all sexual desire by carrying (symbolically) the genitals of the mother. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. You can either pray to her or keep her image with you. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. and rebirth and can be inked as a symbol of protection, warding off evil and keeping the wearer safe from harm. She is also seen as a protective figure, and her head is often used as a symbol of strength and power. Our image of Medusa is one of pure evil, but in reality, she is raped and impregnated by her rapist. Medusa embodies menstruation's protective powers. image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. You can keep medusas image with you to remind you of the danger of unfaithfulness. From a feminist perspective, Medusas story seems a cautionary tale of the symbolic decapitation of women and a loss of ones power. When the artist Luciano Garbati made his sculpture . Shoulder Medusa Tattoo Fabio Mauro Symbol Sage points out, "The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments." Further to this ability to turn people into stone, depictions of Medusa were used as a type of protection against evil. And rightly so. Team Zutara forever. Medusa, in effect, became the archetypal femme fatale: a conflation of femininity, erotic desire, violence, and death, writesKiki Karoglou, associate curator in the Mets Department of Greek and Roman Art and organizer of Dangerous Beauty, in an issue of theMets quarterly Bulletinon the show. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. The symbol of her snakes is closely related to life itself as well as the cycle of rebirth. Dangerous Beauty boldly mingles objects from across centuries in the compact exhibition. 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. Crypto Texas Zero Property Tax Bill Has Extreme, Discriminatory Catches, Eurovision 2023 Tickets Announced on Ticketmaster, Celebrating Womens History With Qiu Jin, Chinese Revolutionary, The Penguin Tells a Batverse Scarface Story. Since Ancient Greece, the snake-haired Gorgon has been a sexualized symbol of womens rage. Therefore, seeing a medusa sign might speak about protection. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. This gorgeous black and gray tattoo is of Athena, the Greek Goddess. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. Early accounts placed the Gorgons in a faraway place on the edge of night. This seems odd as she was originally a very beautiful mortal. Originally from Oklahoma, she has been covering visual culture and overlooked history for print In fact, her name means Queen, and her sisters have similar positive names, whereas Perseus means to destroy and if that doesnt mean something, I dont know what does. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. Medusa's beautyand, in particular, her femininityremains as dangerous as her original monstrosity. Therefore, the words you speak have consequences. One such symbolisation is the famous Perseus myth. It also tells you to be confident in your physical looks. Hence, Medusa's tale has served as a metaphor for power and bravery, particularly for women who have experienced s*xual harassment. Fortunately, the times have changed and people have started to realize the flaw in their reasoning. The present ptient is a female. In ancient history, females pray to her for confidence and strength especially in a world where men treat females as weak and helpless. This prompted the curse she sustains till this moment. 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. The myths and stories about medusa are true. It means that she is a goddess that inspires people to be creative which brought forth the science of art. Medusa's name derives from an ancient Greek verb that means "to protect and guard," which may be a nod to Athena's attempt to guard and protect Medusa from further abuse at the hands of Poseidon and other men. Upon witnessing this act the goddess Minerva turned Medusa into the snake hair monster with the cold-stone stare that we all know her as. Medusa is an icon of Greek mythology, representing female strength and wisdom. She has the power to make you spiritually active and sensitive again. On a 570 BCE terracotta stand, Medusa is comically hideous, and fully bearded, sticking out her tongue between two tusks. Two solo photography exhibitions at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, expose the obscured, silenced, and unacknowledged histories of the slave trade. Her expression is one of surprised, but unblinking, sorrow. Nowadays Medusas can be seen as a symbol of revenge against the male gaze. Protection symbols are the specific signs that people use to safeguard against evil and negative energies, especially to have a strong spiritual and ritual impression in mind. This talks about inner strength. Many people have heard about Medusa and her tragic tale but not much is known about the Gorgon herself. Want more stories like this? She also aided Perseus in later killing Medusa once and for all. Medusa slept with Poseidon in Athena's temple knowing the consequences, but did it anyways therefore Athena was right about punishing her. Your email address will not be published. Yes, Medusa is a protection symbol. As Elizabeth Johnston says in her 2016 piece The Original Nasty Woman on Medusa: In Western culture, strong women have historically been imagined as threats requiring male conquest and control, and Medusa herself has long been the go-to figure for those seeking to demonize female authority.. Image Courtesy: pixabay.com. Allison C. Meier is a former staff writer for Hyperallergic. In the myths, any mortal who set eyes upon it was immediately turned to stone. What does a medusa symbolize? Silencing Powerful Women - The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments. The myth tells us that the only way to defeat Medusa is by looking at our reflections through a mirror and this tells us that we should reflect upon ourselves to defeat our darkest demons. Eventually, Medusa attracts the attention of Poseidon, who subsequently rapes her. When medusa was cursed, no god was there to help her or fight her battles. "Pegasus, poetry, was born of Medusa when her head was cut off." - Joseph Campbell. 20. You will see this in movies like clash of the titans. As such she posed a great threat to the power of the Greek male-dominated sky gods. The fair fosters a welcoming environment for all those with an appreciation for art, regardless of background or technical know-how. Her energy can be channeled for spiritual activities like spells, rituals, and prayers. Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. The incomplete essay becomes far more phallocentric as it continues explaining how the sight of female genitalia instills fear of castration, how Medusas snake-like hair is (of course) a phallic symbol, and finally that Medusas ability to cause onlookers to become stiff, is a representation of an erection and therefore a confirmation of their manhood and of still having a penis it is in essence, their final confirmation of manhood. Medusa was a monster in Greek mythology but she represented some real-world problems for the Greeks and the rest of the world. Which Hand to Wear Evil Eye Bracelet & Ring for Good Luck? Medusa as a symbol for women's empowerment. Medusa's head as a symbol of horror was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena. This extends to even monsters like Medusa which really showed us how the ancient Greeks viewed the things around them.