The Origins of the Gorgenhead

Medusa was one of the three winged female monsters, known as Gorgens. They were extremely dangerous to look at, and could turn viewers into stone. She is depicted in a twisted perspective with her leg sideways,. Flanking her are depictions of her two children - Pegasus and Cresseo. On either side of them are two crouching lions. In another legend, she was slain by the hero Perseus, with the help of Athena. He then gave the head to Athena, who placed it on her shield. Her Greeks also used images of Medusa to protect other things, such as temples.