Many argue whether the story of Medusa is that of tragedy caused by Athena’s act of misplaced anger, or that of a woman, who despite her curse and death continued to protect, project, and procreate. In modern times, however, Medusa is popularly considered to be an emblem of femininity and nihilism.
The snakes on her head also symbolize regeneration and renewal as snakes tend to shed their skin and then grow it all anew. As Perseus seconded Athena’s curse, he returned the head to her who thereafter wore it on Aegis Pallas, the legendary shield. Such was the potency of Medusa that even after her death, her power never truly left her. As an answer to the king’s mockery, he removed and held up Medusa’s head, thus turning every spectator in the court to stone. He went straight to the court of the merciless king and declared his triumph to the shocked king. As Perseus returned to save his mother Danaë from marrying the ruthless King Polydectes, he was enraged to see his mother being treated as a slave. The story of Medusa doesn’t end with the man who killed her. Many debates have spun around whether Medusa was a victim or a villain, but what holds true is that Medusa, above all, held power to make men fall in love with her, and a cursed Medusa could turn them into stone with just one look. It made women question the righteousness of their Poseidon. It is her sensuous power, her seductive charm, and her unconquerable power that made Medusa a symbol of feminism and of Neo-Nihilism too. But, on the other end lies a simple statement by Donatella, Gianni Versace’s sister, she says with absolute conviction and unwavering nonchalance in her voice, “he told me he thought that whoever falls in love with the Medusa can’t flee from her.” And thus came into being, a logo that is revered, sought-after, and even copied by every elitist and evangelist. At one end of the wide spectrum of interpretation of this logo lies an understanding that vanity will ruin you. It is said that when Perseus decapitated Medusa, Pegasus (a winged horse) and Chrysaor―a golden sword-wielding giant―came out of her body, making her a symbol of powerful transformation and reincarnation.Īs mentioned earlier, esteemed fashion company Versace chose the Medusa head, with snakes as hair, as its corporate logo. It was when Perseus beheads her in her sleep, that the course of history and her legacy transpires. The end of Medusa’s life is what makes her a symbol of unconquerable feminine power, freedom, magic, transformation, and protection. However, in another version written by Hesiod, he says Poseidon and Medusa are united in passion in a meadow with flowers. It is at this point that furious Athena cursed Medusa to have reptilian hair, and possess a gaze that would turn every onlooker into stone. However, in a maddening rage when Poseidon rapes Medusa while she is worshiping in Athena’s temple, her fate changes forever.
He refers to her as “the jealous aspiration of many suitors.” Medusa is described as someone who took great pride in her looks and flaunted it, teasing and titillating men. The Roman poet Ovid paints Medusa in his poetry, Metamorphoses, as an incredibly beautiful maiden. The pricing was very reasonable and the work was carried out quickly without losing.Amongst many renditions of Medusa’s stories, the one that makes her a symbol worthy of worship is indeed quite riveting. While I was in the chair I could hear the other artists discussing tattoos with other customers and it was obvious how much each member of staff love their work.
On the day of the tattoo, the same great and friendly attitudes were there, and although George was feeling slightly under the weather(dental work), he carried out the session very professional with methodical preparation and a friendly manner throughout with fantastic results. It was George himself that did my tattoo and the attention to detail in the planning along with the explanations into how he was going to proceed with it, quickly filled me with the confidence that I had picked the right place. The decor itself shows the love and dedication that George puts into his job. From being greeted by the friendly staff at the door the first thing I noticed is just how clean and well keep the shop is.
Flag as inappropriate Everything about this place is great.