Characters of the Myth
This hero was the son of Zeus and Danaë.
Who is Perseus?
This goddess gave Perseus a polished bronze shield to use as a mirror.
Who is Athena?
Perseus avoided being turned to stone by looking at Medusa through this object.
What is a shield (used as a mirror)?
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Medusa was originally portrayed as this before becoming a monster.
What is a beautiful maiden (or priestess)?
Perseus symbolizes courage and the triumph of this over evil.
What is good?
This Gorgon had snakes for hair and could turn people to stone.
Who is Medusa?
This messenger god gave Perseus winged sandals and a harpe sword.
Who is Hermes?
From Medusa’s neck sprang this famous winged horse.
Who is Pegasus?
In Theogony, Medusa was described as this from birth.
What is a monster?
Medusa’s head later became a symbol of protection when placed on this item.
What is Athena’s shield (the Aegis)?
This king of Seriphus sent Perseus on a dangerous quest to bring back Medusa’s head.
Who is Polydectes?
This god lent Perseus a helmet that made him invisible.
Who is Hades?
Perseus turned this Titan into a mountain range after he refused him shelter.
Who is Atlas?
In some versions, Perseus was sent to get Medusa’s head as a type of gift.
What is a wedding gift?
Pegasus symbolizes rebirth, freedom, and this type of potential.
What is creative potential?
These three ancient sisters shared one eye and one tooth.
Who are the Graeae?
This sea god calmed the waters when Perseus and Danaë were cast into the sea.
Who is Poseidon?
Perseus accidentally fulfilled a prophecy by killing this person with a discus.
Who is King Acrisius?
Medusa was said to be the daughter of these two sea deities.
Who are Phorcys and Ceto?
The myth teaches that true heroism includes the responsible use of this.
What is power?
This Ethiopian princess was rescued from a sea monster by Perseus and later became his wife.
Who is Andromeda?
This special bag was used to safely carry Medusa’s head.
What is the kibisis?
Perseus used Medusa’s head to defeat the king who had mistreated his mother.
Who is Polydectes?
Modern feminist interpretations often reclaim Medusa as a symbol of this powerful emotion.
What is female rage?
The story emphasizes that this force cannot be avoided, even when people try to escape it.
What is fate?