In Greek mythology, what did Medusa’s head do when Perseus showed it to Phineus?

In Greek mythology, Medusa’s head turned Phineus to stone when Perseus showed it to him.

Phineus was linked to Andromeda before Perseus married her, and he led an attack against Perseus during the wedding celebration. Perseus then used the severed head of Medusa as a weapon, warning the attackers and finally directing its gaze at Phineus.

This episode demonstrates that Medusa’s petrifying power continued after her death. Perseus repeatedly used the head against enemies during his journey, even though he had carried it safely inside the kibisis.

Phineus is sometimes confused with Polydectes, the king who originally sent Perseus after Medusa. Polydectes was also turned to stone, but in a separate event after Perseus returned to Seriphos.