M E D U S A

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned' - William Congreve 1697. 

Demonised for her beauty by those that desired her, punished for being a victim of rape, then vilified as a monster, never to be looked at again and feared by men, Medusa’s story scarily echoes the misogynistic realities of today.

In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of three sisters known as the Gorgons. She was human and mortal while Sthenno & Euryale, her sisters were immortal. A devoted priestess of Athena, Medusa was considered very beautiful by all that beheld her, particularly her long serpentine hair. Poseidon the god of the sea desired Medusa and forced himself on her while in Athena’s temple. Athena, so jealous of Poseidon’s interest in Medusa and anger at the sanctity of her temple being destroyed, in a crime of passion she turned the innocent girl into a hideous monster. Medusa’s beautiful hair became venomous snakes and the most cruel punishment of all, any living thing that dared to gaze at her she would turn to stone. Left to live out a lonely existence, never to be observed or acknowledged.