In Greek mythology, Poseidon sees the beautiful high priestess Medusa, desires her and then decides to rape her in the temple of the goddess Athena. When Athena discovers this, she punishes Medusa (instead of her abuser) by turning her into an exiled, snake-haired Gorgon whose eyes turn men into stone. Later, the ‘hero’ Perseus murders Medusa in her sleep by cutting off her head, which he then uses as a weapon against his enemies and eventually gives to Athena.

Hmmm...not much room for Medusa’s side of the story here, as well as an incomprehensibly cruel reaction by Athena and lastly, the urge to destroy a woman, simply for being powerful.

The origin of Medusa’s name however, comes from an ancient Greek verb which means “to protect or guard”.
And maybe this can be the lens through which we re-examine the story of Medusa.
In this light, Athena attempted to protect Medusa from further abuse, by giving her the power to petrify others.
Medusa takes her power back and protects herself with this powerful gaze.
And after Perseus severs her head, Medusa returns to Athena- this time as a protector, carried on her breastplate.

Perhaps we can consider perceiving Medusa as a symbol of protective strength, beauty and sisterhood and look upon her with a female gaze.
For if we do not divert our eyes, we won’t turn to stone.
Instead, we’ll see true beauty and return Medusa’s own voice to her.

From neck to loop, Mini Medusa is 13mm high and her face is 6mm wide.

Price:
Sterling Silver 60,- Euros
Vermeil 75,- Euros