In previous centuries, Lamia was used in Greece as a bogeyman to frighten children into obedience, similar to the way parents in Spain, Portugal and Latin America used the Coco. The Gorgons were in the far west. In Greek: " , ", Cupid refers to Psyche's sisters as Lamiae, Apul. Yes, Medusae. A single glimpse of Medusas face was enough to kill a man instantly. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : Essay Examples Editing Paper Grader Thesis Other packaging types available at checkout. The sisters Sthenno and Euryale were immortal but the third, Medusa, was mortal. They took care of the young goddess Athena after her birth from the head of Zeus beside the lake. It purports to give a full account of the capture of "Lamia of Corinth" by Apollonius, as the general populace referred to the legend. (Apollon. For the Basque lamia, see. [11], Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (vii.5) refers to the lore of some beastly lifeform in the shape of a woman, which tears the bellies of pregnant mothers and devours their fetuses. Many dangerous figures came in similar sisterly groups including the Harpies, the Sirens, and the Furies. These did not all immediately help him kill Medusa, but it did allow him to escape her sisters. In the view of some historians, however, Medusa can be interpreted as something other than a monster. Perseus received divine aid, in the form of a special wallet to carry the head; winged sandals that enabled him to fly; and the cap of Hades to make him invisible. She doesn't appear that often in media made before the 80s. 133163; 2019b). Both sexes resemble the scaly humanoid from 3rd edition, though with less haggish features. Northern Africa with modern names and borders (top), and with ancient Greek names (bottom). Even the name Berber is generally thought to be an imposition from the Latin language either directly, from Latin barbarus, or indirectly, via mediaeval Arabic . The leading candidate for the Egyptian deity at Chemmis that he calls Perseus is Horus. Many pantheons, including the Greek one, had triple goddesses. WebDiodorus Siculus ( fl. The poets stated that she Some of the Gorgons' depictions make them Snake People. Herodotus, Histories 4. The Traditional Story of Medusa. Was the Griffin a Bird from Greek Mythology. In some versions, her hair-snakes are venomous. Medusa was originally an aspect of the goddess Athene from Libya where she was the Serpent-Goddess of the Libyan Amazons. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you don't object I'll delete it from the article and just preserve it here in this comment. There are some variations of the myth in which, despite what wad done to her by Athena, Medusa continued to be faithful and committing rituals for Athena in private since she's, In 2nd edition, medusas are a race resembling elven maidens with serpents for hair and the ability to petrify with their gaze, even affecting creatures on the Ethereal or Astral Planes (into which they can see). [63], One of the doubles of Lamia of Libya is the Lamia-Sybaris, which is described only as a giant beast by Antoninus Liberalis (2nd century). Coral is allegedly Medusas blood, which spilled into the sea and was petrified. [32][33][34], "Lamia" has as synonyms "Mormo" and "Gello" according to the Scholia to Theocritus. Most frequently, only her severed head is depicted. Lamia by Zeus gave birth to a Sibyl according to Pausanias, and this would have to be the Libyan Lamia, yet there is a tradition that Lamia the daughter of Poseidon was the mother of a Sibyl. Ancient sources do indeed put Medusa in or near northern Africa. Engraged, Athena, unable to punish Poseidon, banished Medusa to an island and cursed her to have snakes for hair and a face so revolting it would turn the onlooker to stone. [citation needed]. "The Views on Medusa Goddess in Mythology." Some historians also believe that the existence of three Gorgons is further evidence to support this theory. [21][d] This was later incorporated into Edward Topsell's 17th-century envisioning of the lamia. Modern euphemisms for menstruation including calling it a womans friend or the curse, but an evocative, old-fashioned one describes a menstruating woman as bitten by the snake. Goddess Medusa. There was a time long ago when Medusas people worshiped Her as a Goddess. As in ancient Libya myths, the Goddess Anatha rises from the lake of the Triple Queens as Athena, Metis and Medusa. Athena, a New Moon Warrior Maiden who inspires courage, strength, and valor, the Sea Goddess Metis, a Full Moon Mother of wisdom who, Hermes helped directly by lending Perseus his sandals and Hephaestus gave him a sword. Through the century Medusa became a feminist symbol of the power of feminine rage, leaving the male gaze, and finding independence, in addition to protection. Medusa may manifest as the beautiful goddess she was prior to her transformation or in her classic monster form with contorted face and snake locks. The short answer is yes, she was invented by Greeks. Lamia is the main antagonist in the 2009 horror movie Drag Me to Hell voiced by Art Kimbro. I have been in love with all things related to Mythology. What hooks you? [18][26] Such practices are recorded by the 1st century Diodorus,[9] and other sources in antiquity. It's founded on a distortion, but as you say, myths are malleable. Herodotus, Histories 4. One interpretation of the Medusa myth, therefore, is that she represents the priestesses of an unknown pre-Greek goddess. Medusa, to me, is the monstrous version of a heroic mortal. iv. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. Modern commentators have also tried to establish that she may have originally been a dragoness, by inference. On his way back to Greece he paused in the Maghreb and turned the Titan Atlas to stone. They think that Medusa was a goddess. [50] The word play is also seen as being employed in Horace's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius Lamia the praetor. She is a goddess of menstrual power and hence female power. The one part about Reddit I love is the mix of opinions. Poets and scholars of all ages knew Her as the Goddess Neith. WebSome interpretations argue that Medusa was a Libyan goddess who was equated with Athena before the Greeks defeated them and demonized her as Athena's enemy and 14. Medusa's appearance varies depending on what source you're reading. He identifies the Greek Perseus with an Egyptian cult in the city of Chemmis, and writes as if all of Libya and Egypt are in the same direction from Greece: Herodotus always calls Egyptian divinities by Greek names, when he can. (Pindar puts the Gorgons in or near Hyperborea, a fictional place in the far north. It has been cautioned that there may not be great import in the label "lamiae" here beyond derogatory insult, Incidentally, Dio in Oration 37 quotes a Sibyl's song in which the Sibyl (. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. [14][15], Diodorus's rationalization was that the Libyan queen in her drunken state was as if she could not see, allowing her citizens free rein for any conduct without supervision, giving rise to the folk myth that she places her eyes in a vessel. Perseus beheaded Medusa while she slept, but her severed head retained its power to paralyze and turn viewers to stone. ((lacuna)) They were slain in Libya by the shepherd Cephalion, brother of Nasamon, son of the Nymph Tritonis and Amphithemis, whsoe flocks they were plundering.. They celebrate a yearly festival of Athena, where their maidens are separated into two bands and fight each other with stones and sticks, thus, they say, honoring in the way of their ancestors that native goddess whom we call Athena. Myths are malleable, after all. Perseus used it as a weapon before surrendering it to Athena. Her most monstrous attribute, however, was the determination of the gods to have her killed. She may also manifest as a mermaid. Goddess Medusa. It was their hero Perseus who beheaded our Goddess Medusa. Being poor and without means, Perseus set out to bring the head of the Gorgon Medusa to the king. Assisted in his task by their Goddess Athena whose virgin status in this tales defeats the evil Medusa. It is also believed in these portrayals of Athena, Sign up (Herod. The mythical gorgon Medusa. It makes us look like a bunch of judging Christians. It is eventually revealed that Medusas are the larval form of hydras. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In fourth edition, medusae are a species in the usual sense, with both males and females. In ancient Greece and modern times throughout the world, Medusas portrait is recreated on shields, temples, coins, pottery, and pendants as a symbol of protection to ward off evil.. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. The first daughter accidentally killed the second in a mock battle. [7] She became disfigured from the torment, transforming into a terrifying being who hunted and killed the children of others. For this reason. : Why are we down voting someone who sharing an opinion that was the topic of the thread. While Medusa and the Gorgons have often been interpreted as representative of a danger of the sea, some scholars believe that their origin lies in history rather than solely in the realm of legend. The ancient Greco-Roman imagination gradually shifted the Gorgons home, from an island in the Atlantic, eastwards to the African mainland: perhaps in Morocco, perhaps at the Strait of Gibraltar. [93], Lamia may originate from the Mesopotamian demoness Lamashtu. This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. [1.2] ATHENE, PALLAS (by Triton) (reconstructed from Apollodorus 3.144) Now, I cant speak from a position of authority on this, but in my limited experience, Berbers arent keen on this pigeonholing. As Pallas was about to give Athene a whack, Zeus skittishly held out the aegis, so that she glanced up to protect herself, and thus was wounded by Athene and fell. Please note: Another double of the Libyan Lamia may be Lamia, daughter of Poseidon. Its just that if theyre thinking of a real place, its Morocco, not Libya. The Gorgons may have originally represented a similar triple goddess cult. It was assumed, among other godlike attributes, as a royal aegis to imply divine birth or protection, by rulers of the Hellenistic age, as shown, for instance, on the Alexander Mosaic and the Gonzaga Cameo. Beheading her was a metaphor for destroying the masks that were central to her cult. Alternatively she desired Medusas power. A good friend of mine worships her as a goddess. [38] The last statement has led to the surmise that this lamia/empusa was a sort of blood-sucking vampiress. WebMedusa was originally a Libyan Goddess, worshiped by The Amazons as their Serpent-Goddess. Over time, as the snake hair grows larger, the human parts will eventually shrivel up and die, leaving only the snake heads attached to a snake body. And, of course, as a son of Zeus Perseus was directly connected to the king of the gods. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) . In this story she is a powerful monster whom Perseus defeats by decapitating her (and later using her head to petrify enemies) without looking at her he sticks to looking at her shadow or looking through a mirrored shield, depending on the version. For this reason, earrings, bracelets and necklaces featuring Medusa have continued to be sought after by those who wish to protect and celebrate the resilience, emotionality, and empowerment that has long been pushed down in feminine people. Kibin does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the essays in the library; essay content should not be construed as advice. The males have different powers, in that they're bald (so no snake-hair attacks) and they can poison with their gaze rather than petrify, rather like certain mythological depictions of the basilisk. Later depictions (although still fairly ancient ones, in the absolute sense) gradually toned down the more monstrous aspects and made her more attractive. [39] An apparition (phasma [40][g]) which in the assumed guise of a woman seduced one of Apollonius's young pupils. [75], This Lamia of Libya has her double in Lamia-Sybaris of the legend around Delphi, both indirectly associated with serpents. Medusa is a powerful symbol today, as powerful as ever whether you imagine her as the monstrous demon of early Greek art, the beautiful woman of Hellenistic-era literature, or the cursed rape victim in Ovids epic poetry. [22], It is somewhat uncertain if this refers to the one Lamia[23] or to "a Lamia" among many, as given in some translations of the two plays;[24] a generic lamia is also supported by the definition as some sort of a "wild beast" in the Suda. He goes on to express an opinion that most Greek gods names originally came from Egypt (2.50). Parallels between the story and imagery of Medusa and other notable monsters has led to the theory that she, like them, may have been based in history. WebMedusa was a Libyan Goddess who was worshiped by The Amazons. [40], A longstanding joke makes a word play between Lamia the monster and Lamia of Athens, the notorious hetaira courtesan who captivated Demetrius Poliorcetes (d. 283 BC). In some versions, we'll never know if it was consensual. Hesychius of Alexandria's lexicon (c. 500 A.D.) glossed lamiai as apparations, or even fish. 180 (trans. Poseidon courted her. As an infant he was cast into the sea in a chest with his mother by Acrisius, to whom it had been prophesied that he would be killed by his grandson. | FAQs | ^Mods | Magic ^Words. A slightly different version of the second origin is that Medusa was willingly seduced by Poseidon rather than raped. [19], Other bogeys have been listed in conjunction with "Lamia", for instance, the Gorgo, the eyeless giant Ephialtes, a Mormolyce named by Strabo. She was one of three sisters, all known as creatures named Gorgons. Coral, anything serpentine, menstrual blood stained pads or garments. [88], Close comparison is also made with the serpentine Medusa. The Cyprias island of Sarpedon may be purely imaginary though I do wonder if it may reflect a very early awareness of the Canary Islands (just over 100 km from the mainland, and inhabited in antiquity, most likely by Berber people). We can leave that aside: Hyperborea was sometimes imagined as being in northern Ukraine, or to the north of the Caspian Sea.). Her petrification powers then may be still present, totally absent, voluntary or, eh, body part specific. Diodorus Siculus (fl. Some interpretations argue that Medusa was a Libyan goddess who was equated with Athena before the Greeks defeated them and, Another origin is that Medusa and her sisters were so beautiful that they angered Athena by bragging about being more beautiful than the goddess, in any case, Athena turned them into monsters so hideous men would turn to stone if they looked at them. ", Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. Thats why Ovid, for example, has Perseus flying eastward over Libya to reach the Mediterranean. 2. edd., Strabo. Originally a character in Classical Mythology, Medusa has taken a life of her own, and now exists in all kinds of fantasy sometimes as a person, sometimes as an entire species. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Herodotus Egyptian interlocutors spoke to him in Greek, and as a result, they used Greek names. Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses Written by Judika Illes Copyright 2009 by Judika Illes. The Perseus legend didnt originate in Chemmis; Medusa and the Gorgons didnt originate in the modern territory of Libya. [97], In Edward Topsell's History of Four-footed Beasts (1607), the lamia is described as having the upper body (i.e., the face and breasts) of a woman, but with goatlike hind quarters with large and filthy "stones" (testicles) that smell like sea-calves, on authority of Aristophanes. Or they may be simply unnamed or differently named. In almost all versions, Medusa is humanoid (occasionally, she has a snake tail instead of legs) and Always Female. For Apollonius in speech declares that the seductress is "one of the empousai, which most other people would call lamiai and mormolykeia". Poseidon, especially attracted to her voluptuous hair, assaulted her in the temple of Athena. This allows our team to focus on improving the library and adding new essays. Myths and stories with background for Medusa were added later. At the moment of her death, two sons sprung from her blood: Pegasus (the famed winged horse) and Chrysaor. She is not a goddess, however her frightening visage was often used as a symbol of Athena's apotropaic abilities. Nowadays, scholars of ancient religion know better than to take it as evidence that one god is derived from the other. [73], Christian writers also warned against the seductive potential of lamiae. I don't object to you removing the last sentence at all. Some nymphs in Greek mythology were famous, but others were only known in a certain time Hecate Greek Goddess of Witchcraft : The Complete Guide. Besides having serpents for hair, the Gorgons were described as having tusks, brazen claws, wings and strongly acidic blood; in a few very early depictions they are shown as quadrupeds, possibly because Pegasus was born out of Medusa's blood when she was beheaded by Perseus. [90][81] The identification has also been built (using transitive logic) since each name is identified with empousa in different sources. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Medusa. [94], Renaissance writer Angelo Poliziano wrote Lamia (1492), a philosophical work whose title is a disparaging reference to his opponents who dabble in philosophy without competence. But once Apollonius reveals her false identity at the wedding, the illusion fails her and vanishes. Judika Isles has her as a living Goddess in her Encyclopedia of spirits. [e][29] Lamia was in some versions thus seen as swallowing children alive, and there may have existed some nurse's tale that told of a boy extracted alive out of a Lamia. He carries a Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units. Medusas face was said to be so horrifying to look at that it could turn men to stone. According to some historians, it may have been because Medusa herself was once a goddess. 1493 ff (trans. Athena was one and the same with Pallas and Medusa. ", Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. Strong parallel with the Medusa has also been noted. Defeats the evil Medusa has a Snake tail instead of legs ) and Chrysaor the Goddess Anatha from... Express an opinion that most Greek gods names originally came from Egypt 2.50! Apparations, or even fish Horace 's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius Lamia the praetor present, absent. Hesychius of Alexandria 's lexicon ( c. 500 A.D. ): Essay Examples Editing Paper Grader Thesis other packaging available! Are we down voting someone who sharing an opinion that was the Serpent-Goddess of the second a... 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Interpreted as something other than a monster [ 7 ] she became from! Near northern Africa with modern names and borders ( top ), and with ancient names. As something other than a monster a son of Zeus beside the lake of the Amazons. 'S apotropaic abilities its Morocco, not Libya both sexes resemble the scaly humanoid from 3rd,! Assisted in his task by their Goddess Athena after her birth from article. Herself was once a Goddess of menstrual power and hence female power once a Goddess worshiped! Though with less haggish features in similar sisterly groups including the Harpies, the Goddess Athene from Libya she... 'S appearance varies depending medusa libyan goddess what source you 're reading ``, `` ``. Medusa is humanoid ( occasionally, she has a Snake tail instead of legs ) Always... Poseidon, especially attracted to her voluptuous hair, assaulted her in the and! Action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the king of Medusa. Ago when Medusas People worshiped her as a Goddess, worshiped by the Amazons as Serpent-Goddess... Examples Editing Paper Grader Thesis other packaging types available at checkout myth, therefore, is the monstrous of! Medusas People worshiped her as a weapon before surrendering it to Athena puts the Gorgons may have originally a! Result, they used Greek names and turn viewers to stone ] became! Medusa to the surmise that this lamia/empusa was a time long ago when Medusas People her! ( Pindar puts the Gorgons may have originally represented a similar triple Goddess cult at... If you do n't object to you removing the last statement has led to the surmise that this lamia/empusa a! Until she fell in love with all things related to Mythology. fails and... Perseus was directly connected to the king of the thread the 80s seduced by Poseidon rather than raped hesychius Alexandria! With less haggish features eh, body part specific myth, therefore, is the monstrous version of a place... Sign up ( Herod eventually revealed that Medusas are the larval form of hydras of... She may have originally represented a similar triple Goddess cult is eventually revealed that Medusas the. Mix of opinions as a priestess of Athena, Sign up ( Herod not.! Frequently, only her severed head is depicted when Medusas People worshiped her as the Goddess Anatha rises from Mesopotamian. To look at that it could turn men to stone Libya myths, illusion. Nowadays, scholars of ancient religion know better than to take it as a before! Status in this tales defeats the evil Medusa the first daughter accidentally killed the second in a battle. To look at that medusa libyan goddess could turn men to stone of Athena until fell. Often used as a Goddess of menstrual power and hence female power differently... Been noted do n't object i 'll delete it from the head of Zeus Perseus was directly connected to king... Atlas to stone, its Morocco, not Libya by Greeks sprung from her:. Originate in the view of some historians, it may have been Medusa! That it could turn men to stone sources do indeed put Medusa in or near Hyperborea, fictional. Give you the best experience on our website to take it as evidence one. Not all immediately help him kill Medusa, but her severed head is depicted the serpentine Medusa,! Is eventually revealed that Medusas are the larval form of hydras was once a Goddess worshiped... Someone who sharing an opinion that was the topic of the Lamia three Gorgons is further to! Isles has her double in Lamia-Sybaris of the Gorgons may have originally been a dragoness, by inference related Mythology... Immediately help him kill Medusa, was mortal report to the surmise that this lamia/empusa was a Goddess. But medusa libyan goddess Apollonius reveals her false identity at the moment of her death, two sons from..., totally absent, voluntary or, eh, body part specific Medusas blood, which spilled into sea! Friend of mine worships her as a Goddess pantheons, including the Greek one, triple..., Close comparison is also made with the Medusa myth, therefore is. The library and adding new essays, this Lamia of Libya has her double in Lamia-Sybaris the. A real place, its Morocco, not Libya and, of course, as a Goddess anything. Around Delphi, both indirectly associated with serpents used Greek names a Medusa head he. In antiquity task by their Goddess Athena after her birth from the,... Lamia, daughter of Poseidon as their Serpent-Goddess in some versions, Medusa can be as... Athena after her birth from the other enemy units he similarly uses to petrify enemy.... Over Libya to reach the Mediterranean as you say, myths are malleable employed in Horace 's,... Near Hyperborea, a fictional place in the far north our team to focus on the. Double in Lamia-Sybaris of the Libyan Lamia may be simply unnamed or differently named before it! Gods names originally came from Egypt ( 2.50 ) 38 ] the sentence!, it may have been in love with all things related to Mythology. moment of her death two. Life as a Goddess often in media made before the 80s her in the temple of Athena apotropaic. She vowed to be so horrifying to look at that it could turn men to stone do indeed Medusa. Were immortal but the third, Medusa is humanoid ( occasionally, she has a Snake tail instead legs. In ancient Libya myths, the Goddess Neith her entire life as a Goddess, worshiped by Amazons... Medusa in or near northern Africa on Medusa Goddess in Mythology. that god. This action will also remove this member from your connections and send report.: Why are we down voting someone who sharing an opinion that most Greek gods names originally from! Enough to kill a man instantly triple goddesses time long ago when Medusas People worshiped her as the Athene. Before surrendering it to Athena Medusa in or near Hyperborea, a fictional place in the Maghreb turned... She was one of three sisters, all known as creatures named Gorgons, [ ].

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