The Gorgons   GOR guns

The Gorgons

The Gorgons are three sisters, daughters of ancient, pre-titan gods, Phorkys and Keto (Ceto). The sisters Sthenno and Euryale were immortal but the third, Medusa, was mortal. All three were so hideous, the shock of seeing them would turn anyone to stone. Medusa is called The Gorgon or simply, Gorgon.

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Perseus

When Perseus (a son of Zeus) killed Medusa by cutting off her head (Theogony, line 280), from the drops of her blood sprang the winged horse, Pegasus, and Khrysaor (Chrysaor). In The Shield of Herakles, by Hesiod, we are given a glimpse of Perseus’ reckless escape from the angry sisters after he had beheaded Medusa. He was wearing winged sandals and the Helm of Hades but the Gorgons were at his heels, the serpents on their heads and at their waists were snapping at Perseus as he sped away (Sword 220).

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The Aegis of Zeus

Athene (Athena) carried the shield called the Aegis of Zeus at Troy. The gigantic head of Gorgon, a thing of fear and horror, was the centerpiece of a series of warcraft icons: Terror, Hatred and Onslaught (Iliad, book 5, line 741).

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The Gorgons in The Iliad (listed by book and line)

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The Gorgons in The Odyssey (listed by book and line)

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How to Cite this Page

Cut and paste the following text for use in a paper or electronic document report.

Stewart, Michael. "Gorgon", Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant. http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/bios/gorgon.html (November 15, 2005)

Cut and paste the following html for use in a web report.

Stewart, Michael. &quot;Gorgon&quot;, <i>Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant</i>. http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/bios/gorgon.html (November 15, 2005)

Cut and paste the following html for use in a web report. This format will link back to this page, which may be useful but may not be required.

Stewart, Michael. &quot;Gorgon&quot;, <i>Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant</i>. <a href="http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/bios/gorgon.html">http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/bios/gorgon.html</a> (November 15, 2005)

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