What Does the Medusa Tattoo Mean

Medusa is a Greek mythological figure who was one of three Gorgon sisters, along with Stheno and Euryale. Medusa’s descriptions have ranged from lovely to ugly, fair to monstrous, but she is most remembered for possessing living, deadly snakes on her head in place of hair and the capacity to turn those who stared into her eyes into stone. Poseidon sexually raped and impregnated Medusa in Athena’s sacred temple, according to Ovid’s later and widely read account in Metamorphoses. In order to exact her retribution, Athena transformed Medusa into a snake-headed monster capable of turning onlookers to stone.

The Medusa tattoo has grown in popularity among women who have been sexually assaulted. By reclaiming the Medusa identity, they debunk the myth that being victimized entails being cursed or punished.

Survivors of sexual assault today utilize Medusa tattoos to combat the idea that victims should be shamed, blamed, or punished for their crime. Medusa and her legend have been resurrected as a symbol of strength and power, with her picture also being utilized as a protective mark against evil.

Who exactly is Medusa?

Medusa is a Greek mythological figure who was one of three Gorgon sisters, along with Stheno and Euryale. Medusa was the lone mortal among her sisters, while her sisters were immortal.

Medusa’s descriptions have ranged from lovely to ugly, fair to monstrous, but she is most remembered for possessing living, deadly snakes on her head in place of hair and the capacity to turn those who stared into her eyes into stone.

According to legend, King Polydectes of Seiphus dispatched Perseus on an impossible expedition to retrieve Medusa’s head. Perseus embarked on his mission with the assistance of the gods, obtaining a mirrored shield from Athena, sandals with gold wings from Hermes, a sword from Hephaestus, and an invisibility helmet from Hades, and when she was sleeping, using Athena’s mirrored shield to avoid her gaze. Perseus was successful in his quest because Medusa was the lone mortal, beheading her with his sword.

What does Medusa represent for women?

Though most people think of Medusa as a snake-haired monster who turns people into stone if they make eye contact with her, there’s a lot more to the narrative.

Medusa as a Gorgon is the most known depiction of her, although she was a wonderfully attractive young woman who drew the attention of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. She was also a priestess of Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom.

What is the significance of a Medusa tattoo?

Because everyone is unique, the interpretations and meanings behind their own Medusa tattoo may differ. In general, Medusa tattoos are a symbol of survival, particularly after sexual abuse, assault, or rape.

Medusa was raped?

The verb “vitiasse” is translated as “violate” or “corrupt” in Ovid’s original Latin text for Metamorphoses, which narrates the story of Medusa.

Medusa was initially a beautiful girl, according to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, but after being raped by Neptune in Minerva’s temple, she was punished by Minerva by having her hair transformed into venomous snakes. Read also..

What exactly is a Medusa piercing?

A Medusa piercing is one that sits above your top lip in the center, under your nose – often known as the Cupid’s bow. A Medusa piercing might take between eight and twelve weeks to heal, depending on the individual.