In Greek mythology, Medusa’s gaze turned people into stone. This petrifying power made her one of the most feared figures in Greek mythology and explains why heroes avoided looking directly at her face.
Medusa was the only mortal Gorgon, while her sisters Stheno and Euryale were immortal. Ancient artistic depictions often show the Gorgons with frightening faces, emphasizing their supernatural danger rather than presenting them as ordinary human beings.
Perseus defeated Medusa by using a polished shield as a mirror, allowing him to approach without meeting her eyes. After cutting off her head, he continued to use its petrifying power against enemies. A common mix-up is assuming that all three Gorgons shared Medusa’s mortal status; in the best-known myths, only Medusa could die.