The Gorgon was also a representation of protection and had symbols. If men have Medusa in their dreams, according to Freud and Ferencai, it is the terrifying mother syndrome with a castration Medusa was trending on Twitter in June because of an incredible statue image of Medusa sitting on her throne in all her glory. Medusa represents feminine power. He poses the idea that to decapitate = to castrate. Through this framework, Freud posits that the female head is akin to her genitalia keeping in mind that Medusa did in fact give birth to her child from her severed neck. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Hence, Medusa's tale has served as a metaphor for power and bravery, particularly for women who have experienced s*xual harassment. Two solo photography exhibitions at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, expose the obscured, silenced, and unacknowledged histories of the slave trade. 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. What does it mean when Animals Come to You? AirplaneMode - BONES. Anyone that believes in her will enjoy this protection continually. You will see this in movies like clash of the titans. She was a beautiful goddess and was desired by many. 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. This is a powerful combo to enjoy protection from the evil eye. 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. You should be fine if you worry about attracting her attention. The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling. I heard somewhere (that is not a very reliable source I know) that the story of Medusa is actually a story ancient Greek women would look to for empowerment. In the new and annotated edition of Metamorphoses (highly recommend), it becomes clear that in the eyes of the Romans, Minervas wrath against a rape victim is seen as just, same as with Atalantas rape punishment (getting turned into a lion). On view in NYC. Therefore, seeing her should remind us of the power of faithfulness. In 1976, Hlne Cixous, a noteworthy French feminist theorist, wrote an essay called The Laugh of the Medusa, in which she unpacks this myth. She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. What does this mean? As she became more and more attractive, Medusa's allure became a symbol of her power in the world, a might that was often distinctly feminine. It also speaks of the power to generate new ideas for accomplishing a given task. visittuscany.com It is said that everyone has a masculine and feminine self. Allison C. Meier is a former staff writer for Hyperallergic. Moreover, the Gorgon was also seen as a symbol of protection to ward off the evils and negativity of life. When Athena discovers that Posidon has raped Medusa, she chooses to blame her rather than him. What does Medusa Represent? Not only that, but Medusa is often used as a symbol of rage in feminism. Open March 31 through April 2. 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. 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. To the Egyptians, it was a symbol of protection and royal power. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Medusas story is that she was pregnant with Poseidons child when she was killed. In the myths, any mortal who set eyes upon it was immediately turned to stone. She argues that decapitation is not a symbol of castration anxiety, but rather a result of it. Therefore, seeing medusa might be telling you to embrace your inner beauty. It was really interesting and I hadnt heard that she was a triple goddess before, so Im glad I was able to learn something new. Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the hydra Medusa motif has been widespread since the Hellenistic period. wildfirepunch / Instagram. Medusa is often seen as a strong and powerful woman, who has the ability to destroy her enemies. Medusa is known as the god of philosophy, beauty, and art. She is assuring you that God will fight your battles, and help you to become victorious over your enemies. Many in Greek culture also link snakes to a womans menstruation cycle which relates to the cycle of life and death as well. It speaks about the ability to handle complex situations, and deal with hard tasks. 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. As Elizabeth Johnston claims in her 2016 Atlantic essay, Medusa may be the original Nasty Woman. In 2020, it might be easy to chastise the women in the 90s who called Medusa the most horrific woman, but perhaps we would be better suited to remind ourselves just how recently things have begun to change. The myths and stories about medusa are true. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Through the snake-like strands of medusas hair, the universe is warning you against the deception of your friends. She was also a ward of sorts for the Greeks to protect themselves against the negativity in life. 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 Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon - a creature with snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looked at her into stone. She calls women to write and express themselves fully. If she had not sworn an oath of celibacy, She might not suffer the grave consequences that befell her after Poseidon slept with her. All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. It was this sort of power dangerous, beautiful, and connected to women that both ancients and more modern people felt needed curtailing, oftentimes at the end of a sword. Athena's curse was not a punishment for Medusa, but a punishment for the gods and men who intended to harm her. The name Medusa means 'sovereign female wisdom,' 'guardian / protrectress,' 'the one who knows' or 'the one who rules.' It derives from the same Indo-European root as the Sanskrit Medha and the Greek Metis, meaning 'wisdom' and 'intelligence.' (1) Metis, 'the clever one', is Athena's mother. Can you now see the reason for her plight? In a new study, researchers propose that the mind creates an opinion of an artwork after dissecting it into discrete elements. What does the Palm Tree Symbolize? Ironic how a woman seen as a monster to men is used as a symbol of protection for the same people who wrote about her story. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Medusas snakes were said to represent the cycle of life, rebirth, and death. She was a monster in her story but her symbols were often used for the good of mankind however ironic it is to hear. Now, many are claiming that Medusa is not an evil figure, but a strong person who had to overcome enormous pain and trauma. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong about anything! From ancient greek mythology, medusa is a goddess of art. Beauty, like monstrosity, enthralls, and female beauty in particular was perceived and, to a certain extent, is still perceived to be both enchanting and dangerous, or even fatal.. This week, a Black Southern quilt collection is donated to a Mississippi museum, the fascinating AI-generated ceramic glazes, a map of Italian Fascist monuments, and can clothing ever truly be recycled? Through these renditions of her visage, Medusa is painted into a half-human, half-animal monster. If you have committed to accomplishing a task, stay true to it no matter what. Seems a little ironic that a monster like Medusa would be used as a way to keep family protected against the evils of the world. 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. 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. 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. Medusa has 11 spiritual meanings, which we look at in this article. She was cold, calculated, and terrifying. Medusa slept with Poseidon in Athena's temple knowing the consequences, but did it anyways therefore Athena was right about punishing her. Medusa was one of three daughters born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. Well Medusa's dead, she was the only mortal gorgons. Medusa in Jewelry. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. as an almost comically hideous figure, with a lolling tongue, full beard, and bulging eyes. Like the evil eye, the Medusa is an apotropaic symbol that protects from evil. Overall, yes it is okay, and I think I wish to work with her, too. This is why she has been made into many ceramics, golden, bronze, and silver sculptures unlike other goddesses. She was the child of Ceto and Phorcys. 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 most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She was regarded as the patron and protector of various cities across Greece, especially Athens, from which she gets her name. 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. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. the hair as a phallic symbol) is also a sexualization of the female head. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. Furthermore, she advocates for the respect of the feminine gender. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. From Freuds telling, the entire story takes place through the perspective of the man in the story, reducing Medusa to something sub-human. Since Ancient Greece, the snake-haired Gorgon has been a sexualized symbol of womens rage. This should be a lesson to learn. Today it is sometimes used as a symbol of Hellenic Neopaganism. Different versions of a myth can grow in popularity, replacing others, and there ends up being no one singular original story. When the artist Luciano Garbati made his sculpture . Within this context, it seems as if both the male genitalia and female head are their respective centers of power. A writer of all things gender, culture, and travel. It might come as a surprise but the name Medusa actually means to protect and this actually reflects in the mythology. It is said that medusa was known for her innate wisdom, and many earlier scientists drew their great intellects and discoveries from her. This talks about inner strength. She is a woman who represents a conflicting view of femininity, one that is seemingly alluring but with a threatening or sinister underside. The femme fatale archetype has found permanence in our storytelling, and confirms to us that: to be both beautiful and fearsome to be a woman who has bodily autonomy and anger is not at all normative and that those women must be cast aside or have power taken from them. What medusa suffered is enough to make her insignificant in the world of spirituality. She also aided Perseus in later killing Medusa once and for all. Which Hand to Wear Evil Eye Bracelet & Ring for Good Luck? To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. 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. What does Medusa Symbolize? Though there is much to say about the tragedy of Medusa's story, she became a formidable foe. Medusas story showed us the representation of women in ancient Greek society and how people viewed them. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. Medusa is so alluring to us, because she is the image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. She is seductive to us in her contemporary application and dimensionality. From her severed neck, her child Pegasus is born. feelings originating in powerful oral impulses, and, for women, a means for resolving in fantasy the resentment arising from the lack of a penis. I almost got a Medusa pendent myself but I just never ended up getting one. She keeps evil far away from her. Her decapitation is in direct result of male anxiety about maintaining power and control. Her writhing hair of serpents became wild curls, with maybe a couple of serpents beneath her chin to hint at her more bestial origins. In recent years, Medusa has been reformed into a tragic figure who was slut-shamed and victim blamed, simply because punishing a male god (Neptune/Poseidon) would have been considered unthinkable. Including floral details in the tattoo gives it a softer, more feminine finish. The archive, belonging to lawyer Linda Coffee, contains nearly 150 documents and letters related to the historic case. For this Athena punished her hideously. She was very lovely once, the hope of many An envious suitor, and of all her beauties Her hair most beautifulat least I heard so From one who claimed he had seen her.
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