My honest guess? Probably a poetic invention that became popular in art because of how it resonated. The Greeks loved a good tragedy and having Medusa has a beautiful woman as opposed to the monster probably had some tragic resonance. Even before Ovid there are stories where Medusa is a former human so the potential for that kind of depiction was certainly around.
I hope you'll interview Lauren J. A. Bear, author of Medusa's Sisters. The Greek mythology-inspired novel is told from Stheno and Euryale's points of view, showing readers the events in the Gorgon sisters' lives, from their difficult childhood, the cruelty Poseidon and Athena subject Medusa to, the sisters' transformation into Gorgons, and the aftermath of Medusa's death.
Poor Medusa, punished after being rape. Perhaps later depicted as a beautiful woman was because women realized that she was a victim and not a monster.
Why do you think later depictions of Medusa were more beautiful compared to the earlier, monstrous Gorgonian imagery?
My honest guess? Probably a poetic invention that became popular in art because of how it resonated. The Greeks loved a good tragedy and having Medusa has a beautiful woman as opposed to the monster probably had some tragic resonance. Even before Ovid there are stories where Medusa is a former human so the potential for that kind of depiction was certainly around.
I hope you'll interview Lauren J. A. Bear, author of Medusa's Sisters. The Greek mythology-inspired novel is told from Stheno and Euryale's points of view, showing readers the events in the Gorgon sisters' lives, from their difficult childhood, the cruelty Poseidon and Athena subject Medusa to, the sisters' transformation into Gorgons, and the aftermath of Medusa's death.
Thanks for your suggestion! Sounds interesting!
There are many anciient Kemetian NETERU that are shown wearing a crown of multiple serpents, such as Sekhmet and ISIS.
I appreciate your videos.
Thanks 😊
You're welcome!
A true classic
Wow !!
🙂
the original Medusa was Bes the Egyptian
medusa
What about Caravaggio’s Medusa?
🎉🎉
Thanks, Tiffie! 🙂
welcome to golgumbaz, South Indian
Gorgon also meant dreadful
Poor Medusa, punished after being rape. Perhaps later depicted as a beautiful woman was because women realized that she was a victim and not a monster.
Definitely food for thought. Thanks for watching! 🙂