In Greek mythology, what was Medusa transformed into according to Ovid’s Metamorphoses?

In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Medusa was transformed into a monster with snake hair.

Ovid presents Medusa as a beautiful woman whose hair was changed into snakes after an encounter involving Athena’s temple. His Roman poetic account became one of the most influential sources for the later image of Medusa as a formerly beautiful woman punished with a monstrous appearance.

Earlier Greek traditions already describe the Gorgon as a frightening creature with a petrifying gaze, tusks, wings, and serpent features. Ovid’s version adds a transformation story and gives the myth a strong theme of violated sacred space and divine punishment.

The details are therefore not identical across all ancient sources. Saying that every Greek version begins with a beautiful Medusa repeats Ovid’s later Roman account rather than the whole tradition.