# Story of Medusa’s Head explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Perseus recounts how he slew Medusa, a Gorgon once famed for her beauty, who was violated by Neptune in Minerva's temple and transformed by the goddess into a monster with snakes for hair. Using a polished shield as a mirror, Perseus beheads her, and from her blood springs Pegasus. He then explains Medusa's original beauty and the cause of her transformation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Medusa's beautiful hair is transformed into hissing snakes as punishment for the violation in Minerva's temple.

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Minerva's vengeful transformation of Medusa and Perseus's clever use of a mirrored shield demonstrate divine intervention and human ingenuity.

## Character check-ins

### Perseus

The hero who slays Medusa by using a mirrored shield and later recounts the tale.

### Medusa

A Gorgon once celebrated for her beauty, violated by Neptune, then transformed by Minerva with snakes for hair.

### Neptune

The god who violated Medusa in Minerva's temple.

### Minerva

The goddess who punishes Medusa by changing her hair to snakes and later bears them on her aegis.

## Key lines

> Medusa once had charms; to gain her love A rival crowd of envious lovers strove.

Medusa was once beautiful and attracted many jealous suitors.

_Describes Medusa's original beauty before her transformation._

> Her shining hair is changed to hissing snakes. These, in her aegis, Pallas joys to bear.

Minerva turned Medusa's radiant hair into snakes and now proudly carries them on her shield.

_Explains the metamorphosis and Minerva's use of the snakes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-medusa-s-head
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters