Myth

Read this myth and discover one of the secrets of Athena's strength and power.

Long ago, in the land of ancient Greece, a young man named Perseus (Purr-see-us)was sent to kill the monster Medusa.

Medusa was one of the three terrible gorgon sisters who lived in the wilderness. They had white tusks, hands of brass, large golden wings, and snakes growing out of their heads. Anyone who looked at their cruel and frightening faces was turned to stone.

Perseus wandered many months in search of Medusa. The goddess Athena saw that he was growing tired. Knowing that he would not succeed without the help of the gods, she asked for weapons and armor more powerful than any Perseus already had.

Hermes, god of speed, lent Perseus his winged sandals for swiftness and Zeus offered his bright sword. Hades, god of the underworld, lent his helmet. This helmet made those who wore it invisible. Athena gave her bronze shield. She told Perseus to look at Medusa's reflection in the shield and all would be well.

Perseus, with his powerful weapons and armor, traveled to the gorgons' cave where he found the three sisters asleep. Without looking directly at Medusa, but guided by her reflection in Athena's shield, Perseus cut off her head with one blow of Zeus's sword. As Perseus flew into the air with Medusa's head, the snakes began to hiss loudly. They woke her sisters who flew after Perseus, but he was invisible and too swift for them.

As Perseus traveled over the desert, drops of blood from Medusa's head fell upon the sand, where they changed into deadly snakes. Perseus gave the head of Medusa to Athena who placed it in the center of her shield in order to strike terror in the hearts of her enemies.

Return to the image of Athena Lemnia and look for Medusa's head on Athena's shield.