What is a Gorgon?

Definition of the glossary term Gorgon

Nov 7, 2006 Robin Fowler

Definition of the glossary term Gorgon

A Gorgon was a monster from greek mythology, who had snakes for hair and fangs, and whose very glance could turn men to stone. According to Hesiod, there were three female Gorgons: Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, the queen of them all. They were the Queens of the Underworld, and the one male Gorgon Nanas was Zeus' guardian. They were known as very evil and mean creatures.

According to mythology, the blood from the right side of a Gorgon could raise the dead, but the blood from the left side was toxic. In ancient Greece, stone depictions of of a Gorgon head (gorgoneion) were often placed on doors, shields, graves, or wall to ward off evil.

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