In Greek mythology, what was Medusa’s original status in the older Greek tradition?

In the older Greek tradition, Medusa was the only mortal Gorgon.

Medusa was one of three Gorgon sisters, born to the primordial sea deities Phorcys and Ceto. Unlike her sisters, she could die, which made her vulnerable to Perseus’s attack. Her mortality is central to the hero’s quest and distinguishes her from the two immortal Gorgons.

Later writers, especially Ovid, developed a different origin story in which Medusa had once been a beautiful woman who was transformed. That version became highly influential, but it should not be treated as the only ancient account.

Calling Medusa a mortal Gorgon is more precise than calling her simply human: she belonged to a supernatural race, even though she was not immortal.