Gorgon

Gorgon

Homer described a single Gorgon as a monster living in the underworld.

It was the Greek poet Hesiod, however, who established the more popular view of the Gorgons.

According to him, there were three Gorgons.

Their names were:

 Stheno – the Mighty or Strong,

Euryale – the Far Springer

and Medusa – the Queen

Hesiod described these three sisters as being ugly inside and out- their monstrous personalities were mirrored externally by their wings, scale-covered bodies, tusks, and claws.

Marble mask of Gorgon

2nd century B.C.

From Venus’ Temple,

Rome

Vatican Museums

Exhibition “Monsters”