Who I Am

A long time ago I was a beautiful young woman who was seduced by the God Neptune in the temple of Minerva. As either punishment for being raped, or punishment for being raped in her temple, Minerva (who was probably just jealous that Neptune was attracted to me) changed me into a gorgon. Since I started out as a mortal, I was the only gorgon (I have two sisters - Stethno and Euryale ) who was mortal. Because of her jealousy, Minerva turned me into a creature so hideous that men who gazed upon me were said to have been turned immediately into stone. My hair was changed into vipers (symbolizing the phallic powers of the warrior goddess, Minerva whose virginity was a symbol of her power).

Speculations regarding my myths include the idea that I am the world's first feminist (because the snakes that make up my hair are typically symbolic of the phallus). Thus, when I am later beheaded by Perseus it is notable that Perseus no longer relies on his strength and prowess in battle, but on the magic my penetrating gaze offers him. Some theorists have suggested what I have believed for centuries, that the female "magic" is far more powerful than the strength and determination of men.

Whatever the reason, my figure has become one of the most memorable in mythology. It is worthwhile to mention that my transformation from a beautiful young lady into a hideous gorgon was the result of punishment by either Minerva or Athena, both powerful feminine goddesses, acting out of jealousy or spite. There is no better excuse for my attitude than the simple fact that I was punished for being raped by a god, by a jealous goddess who forced me to live out my life striking fear into the heart's of men.

Email me at: madrids@zianet.com





Write your name in the stone.

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