Medusa is one of the three Gorgons of Greek mythology, the only mortal among her sisters Stheno and Euryale, daughters of the sea deities Phorcys and Ceto. Originally depicted as monsters with golden wings, bronze hands, and serpents for hair, the Gorgons were later represented as beautiful maidens.
According to ancient sources, Medusa dwelled in the far West or in Libya. In several versions of the myth, she was at first an extraordinarily beautiful woman, transformed into a monster by Athena as punishment for having lain with Poseidon in the goddess’s temple.
Perseus slew her, and from her blood were born Chrysaor and Pegasus; from the drops of blood that fell to the ground, coral was said to have originated. Homer mentions only one Gorgon, whose head was set upon Athena’s aegis.