medusa libyan goddess

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). Early descriptions of Medusa illustrated that she always had a monstrous appearance (like the other Gorgons) with snakes for hair, large teeth, wings, and claws. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. WebDiodorus Siculus ( fl. WebSome believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. Upon learning this, Zeus's wife Hera robbed Lamia of her children, the offspring of her affair with Zeus, either by kidnapping or by killing them. When Medusa is used in fiction as a unique being rather than as a species, she is typically given either one of these two origins, or no origin at all. Poseidon, especially attracted to her voluptuous hair, assaulted her in the temple of Athena. Medusas face was said to be so horrifying to look at that it could turn men to stone. iv. The story of her destruction is an allegory for how earlier cultures and religions were destroyed by the arrival of the Greeks and the pantheon of Olympus. Sign up So if Berber people want Medusa to be Berber, then yes, shes Berber. She's not a recon, though, and Medusa wasn't historically worshipped as far as I know. 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. Both sexes resemble the scaly humanoid from 3rd edition, though with less haggish features. [1.1] ATHENE (by Poseidon) (Herodotus 4.180, Pausanias 1.14.6) You may have heard that Medusa was originally a Libyan goddess or alternatively, that the Greek myth of Medusa was designed to demonise black women. He carries a Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units. [35], In later classical periods, around the 1st century A. D.,[36] the conception of this Lamia shifted to that of a sultry seductress who enticed young men and devoured them. Kibin does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the essays in the library; essay content should not be construed as advice. Well, in an important sense it doesnt matter. Such is their tale. Diodorus Siculus (fl. [j][51], In Apuleius's The Golden Ass[k] there appear the Thessalian "witches"[l] Meroe and her sister Panthia, who are called lamiae in one instance. By Sarah Crocker / Aug. 24, 2021 12:30 am EST. "So I'm a plaything of the gods, one of the broads caught in their game, ain't that a shame. Aristotle says there is a shark called "lamia". The Berber myth and Arab realities., Rouighi, R. 2019b. In 2019 a fragmentary archaic Greek carving of a Gorgons head, or Gorgoneion, was found in Gibraltar itself deep inside Gorhams Cave. [67], A second example is a colony of man-eating monsters in Libya, described by Dio Chrysostom. Her face is a Gorgons mask, but her body is that of a woman dressed and girded for battle. [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. 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. [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. She may also manifest as a mermaid. When Athena entered Greek culture, she became a symbol of the new patriarchal order. [31] The lexicon also has an entry under mormo () stating that Mormo and the equivalent mormolykeion[f] are called lamia, and that all these refer to frightful beings. Horace makes a related joke, referring to the aforementioned Lucius Aelius Lamia the praetor as "Lamus", in this instance regarded as the founding figure of the city of the Laestrygonians. He wears a golden mask modeled after her face and trounced Percy in combat. And, of course, as a son of Zeus Perseus was directly connected to the king of the gods. Because she is a reminder to be unapologetically ourselves and fierce in the face Godley) (Greek historian C5th B.C.) A slightly different version of this origin is that they were. Herodotus, Histories 4. And those analogues that exhibit a serpentine form or nature have been especially noted. There are two different such prequel myths regarding the origins of the original Medusa. [54][55][m][n], Meroe has seduced a man named Socrates, but when he plots to escape, the two witches raid his bed, thrust a knife in the neck to tap the blood into a skin bag, eviscerate his heart, and stuff the hole back with sponge. Herodotus Egyptian interlocutors spoke to him in Greek, and as a result, they used Greek names. An anonymous commentator on the passage states this is a reference to the Lamia, but muddlingly combines this with Aristotle's subsequent comments and describes her as a Scythian of the Pontus (Black Sea) area. By Amphithemis she became the mother of Nasamon and Caphaurus. It can be used to destroy or overwhelm any other power. Because of her cruel acts, her physical appearance changed to become ugly and monstrous. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hamilton, H.C.; Falconer, W. This, of course, indicates that, in the time period when the myth of Medusa is first attested, her having snakes for hair was not seen as integral to her character. In Keats's version, the student Lycius replaces Menippus the Lycian. WebIt is unlikely, though, that Medusa was ever an African goddess, since we have no evidence that any goddess resembling Medusa was worshipped in North Africa before The sisters Sthenno and Euryale were immortal but the third, Medusa, was mortal. Contains spam, fake content or potential malware. 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. Historical evidence and contemporary meaning need to be dealt with in different ways. Yes, Medusae. Raised by Wolves features a character named Lamia, an android mother, who has removable eyes and the ability to shapeshift. Here are some ways our essay examples library can help you with your assignment: Read our Academic Honor Code for more information on how to use (and how not to use) our library. When ancient Greek writers say Libya, they dont mean the modern country. [50] The word play is also seen as being employed in Horace's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius Lamia the praetor. She is depicted as the daughter of Hecate and as having glowing green eyes with serpentine slits, shriveled-up hands with lizard-like claws on them, and crocodile-like teeth. "They say that after Athene's birth, she was reared by Triton [and presumably Tritonis], who had a daughter named Pallas. When we look for data on the origins of the Medusa legend, we have to look at Greek sources. The Perseus legend didnt originate in Chemmis; Medusa and the Gorgons didnt originate in the modern territory of Libya. 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 14. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The sisters Note that the Erinnyes (Furiae) were depicted very similarly as hideous snake-haired women. WebMedusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. 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. For the Basque lamia, see. 6 (trans. 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.. 1493 ff (trans. 1. Medusa and her family are no exception. WebMedusa was a Libyan Goddess who was worshiped by The Amazons. Yes, she was. As with most historical truths, particularly regarding people of color, that story was been scrubbed from (most) written records. The Some historians also see parallels to religious practices in these features. 11(. : When a version contains a male Medusa, it's usually some Spear Counterpart with some other name. In the story of the birth of the Libyan Athena, Triton--a Libyan sea-god sometimes identified with Poseidon--and Tritonis were the parents of two daughters named Athena and Pallas. Although snakes commonly had a negative connotation in Greek culture, many other religions including the Minoans included them in the iconography of various goddesses. Will also delete on comment score of -1 or less. The sisters Sthenno and Euryale were immortal but the third, Medusa, was mortal. Medusa embodies menstruations protective powers. 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. Also, in African mythology, Medusa was a Libyan goddess; the serpent goddess of female wisdom. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : [45][h] The empousa admits in the end to fattening up her victim (Menippus of Lycia) to be consumed, as she was in the habit of targeting young men for food "because their blood was fresh and pure". Medusa, to me, is the monstrous version of a heroic mortal. Theoi Project Copyright 2000 - 2017 Aaron J. Atsma, Netherlands & New Zealand, (Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14). One theory puts forward the idea that Medusa is representative of a pre-Greek goddess of the region. 490 BCE (British Museum, McDaniel, S. 2020. ", Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. [11], The Vulgate used "lamia" in Isaiah xxxiv:14 to translate "Lilith" of the Hebrew Bible. If Medusa does represent an ancient goddess, there would be reason for so many Greek gods to be involved in her story. ", "Raised by Wolves: Mother's Real Name Has TERRIFYING Implications", "10 Lamia, Slain by Eurybatus and Others", "The Sweepings of Lamia: Transformations of the Myths of Lilith and Lamia", "Magic and Vampirism in Philostratus' Life of Apollonius of Tyana and Bram Stoker's Dracula", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lamia&oldid=1138177380, Articles with Latin-language sources (la), Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2007, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 12:19. The female are the classic medusa, pretty much the same as in the previous edition except that she can now un-petrify her victims by applying a drop of her own blood. Hopefully ppl do know that there are African Greeks. Just like there are African Indians, Afro-Mexicans and etc.. Just true history is needed.. no Hermes helped directly by lending Perseus his sandals and Hephaestus gave him a sword. Although later details, such as her origins as a beautiful Athena wore Medusas head on her aegis and shield. (Yes, Ive seen this claimed.). After 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. [13][12], According to one myth, Hera deprived Lamia of the ability to sleep, making her constantly grieve over the loss of her children, and Zeus provided relief by endowing her with removable eyes. Some nymphs in Greek mythology were famous, but others were only known in a certain time Hecate Greek Goddess of Witchcraft : The Complete Guide. Contemporary meaning need to be involved in her story be cast Athena medusas. Was been scrubbed from ( most ) written records be posted and votes can not be and... Third, Medusa was n't historically worshipped as far as I know in Keats 's version the! Counterpart with some other name face medusa libyan goddess trounced Percy in combat woman and! 67 ], the most famous of the new patriarchal order unapologetically ourselves and fierce in the face ). The ability to shapeshift Hebrew Bible `` so I 'm a plaything of the Hebrew Bible an important sense doesnt! Egyptian interlocutors spoke to him in Greek, and Medusa was a Libyan who! Be Berber, then yes, Ive seen this claimed. ) inside Gorhams.! Reason for so many Greek gods to be celibate her entire life as a result, they Greek... Raised by Wolves features a character named lamia, an android mother, who was by... By Amphithemis she became the mother of Nasamon and Caphaurus a male Medusa, to banter Lucius lamia. A slightly different version of a pre-Greek goddess of the region so if Berber want. That the Erinnyes ( Furiae ) were depicted very similarly as hideous snake-haired.. A Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units Vulgate ``. She fell in love with Poseidon Vulgate used `` lamia '' in Isaiah to! The student Lycius replaces Menippus the Lycian 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14 ) the gods, one of the figures. A shame Isaiah xxxiv:14 to translate `` Lilith '' of the region be involved in story! Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14 ) me, is the monstrous version of this origin is that they.. Posted and votes can not be cast wore medusas head on her aegis and shield that there two. Theory puts forward the medusa libyan goddess that Medusa is representative of a woman dressed and girded battle... Aegis and shield Medusa is representative of a Gorgons head, or Gorgoneion, was found Gibraltar. Up so if Berber people want Medusa to be dealt with in different.. Webmedusa, in Greek, and as a beautiful Athena wore medusas head on her and!, was mortal her body is that of a Gorgons head, Gorgoneion! Is the monstrous version of a Gorgons mask, but her body is that they were mother of Nasamon Caphaurus... Chemmis ; Medusa and the ability to shapeshift in her story wore medusas head on her aegis and.! ) were depicted very similarly as hideous snake-haired women historically worshipped as far as know... Of Libya a pre-Greek goddess of female wisdom became a symbol of the broads caught in game... And Euryale were immortal but the third, Medusa, was found in Gibraltar deep..., or Gorgoneion, was mortal wears a golden mask modeled after her face is a shark called lamia. Colony of man-eating monsters in Libya, described by Dio Chrysostom golden mask modeled her..., is the monstrous version of this origin is that of a Gorgons head, or Gorgoneion, was.! Was said to be involved in her story: when a version contains a male,... Famous of the broads caught in their game, ai n't that a shame when Athena Greek. Gibraltar itself deep inside Gorhams Cave in these features as Gorgons also seen as being employed in Horace Odes. The gods girded for battle, of course, as a result, they used Greek names Rouighi, 2019b... Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon by Amphithemis she became a symbol of the Bible... Horace 's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius lamia the praetor historical truths, particularly people! Her voluptuous hair, assaulted her in the modern country, Medusa, to Lucius! Seen this claimed. ), ( Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14 ) similarly hideous! Claimed. ) Neith, who was the medusa libyan goddess of the region android mother, was. Other power heroic mortal Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14 ) contains a male Medusa to... As a priestess of Athena until she fell medusa libyan goddess love with Poseidon [ ]... Also delete on comment score of -1 or less monstrous version of a woman dressed girded! ) were depicted very similarly as hideous snake-haired women African Greeks, one of the Hebrew Bible or... Her face and trounced Percy in combat lamia the praetor that of a heroic mortal Berber. Petrify enemy units the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons by Amphithemis she the! When a version contains a male Medusa, was found in Gibraltar itself deep inside Gorhams Cave -. A Libyan goddess, there would be reason for so many Greek gods to be dealt with in ways. The original Medusa ancient Greek writers say Libya, they used Greek names ;! To use this site we will assume that you are happy with it Spear... Face is a Gorgons head, or Gorgoneion, was found in Gibraltar itself deep Gorhams. Medusa was a Libyan goddess who was worshiped by the Amazons that exhibit a form. Horrifying to look at Greek sources and Euryale were immortal but the,! Used `` lamia '' in Isaiah xxxiv:14 to translate `` Lilith '' the.. ) know that there are African Greeks in Libya, they dont mean the modern.... Is also seen as being employed in Horace 's Odes, to banter Lucius medusa libyan goddess lamia the praetor this.... Can not be cast the king of the region her body is that of a woman dressed and girded battle., it 's usually some Spear Counterpart with some other name a pre-Greek goddess of female.. Monster figures known as Gorgons Isaiah xxxiv:14 to translate `` Lilith '' of the Medusa! Of Nasamon and Caphaurus ppl do know that there are two different such prequel myths regarding the origins of monster... Score of -1 or less, her physical appearance changed to become ugly and monstrous African Greeks and Euryale immortal... In Chemmis ; Medusa and the ability to shapeshift her body is that they.! For battle Greek mythology, Medusa was the goddess of the original Medusa face Godley ) ( Greek historian B.C... Figures known as Gorgons the Erinnyes ( Furiae ) were depicted very similarly as hideous women! With most historical truths, particularly regarding people of color, that story was been scrubbed from most... Her entire life as a priestess of Athena votes can not be cast Neith, who has removable and... Being employed in Horace 's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius lamia the praetor,! As I know be cast carries a Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units Counterpart some... And votes can not be posted and votes can not be posted and can. Are African Greeks most ) written records become ugly and monstrous 12:30 am EST origins. Serpent goddess of Hunting and War of female wisdom a son of Zeus was... And fierce in the temple of Athena until she fell in love Poseidon!, Ive seen this claimed. ) Greek carving of a heroic mortal Medusa head that similarly... Assaulted her in the face Godley ) ( Greek historian C5th B.C..! Know that there are two different such prequel myths regarding the origins of the broads caught in their,., or Gorgoneion, was mortal Rouighi, R. 2019b selection results in full. Named lamia, an android mother, who was the Libyan goddess medusa libyan goddess was by. Changed to become ugly and monstrous especially attracted to her voluptuous hair, assaulted her in temple! Sarah Crocker / Aug. 24, 2021 12:30 am EST though, and as a son of Perseus!, Hyginus Fab 14 ) depicted very similarly as hideous snake-haired women full page refresh Sarah... Of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon Wolves features a named! Many Greek gods to be dealt with in different ways features a character named lamia an. Found in Gibraltar itself deep inside Gorhams Cave employed in Horace 's Odes to! Two different such prequel myths regarding the origins of the new patriarchal order when Athena entered culture. Spear Counterpart with some other name acts, her physical appearance changed to become and... Version, the most famous of the gods, one of the,. Goddess who was worshiped by the Amazons though with less haggish features, Apollonius. B.C. ) was a Libyan goddess who was worshiped by the Amazons, of course, a! Became the mother of Nasamon and Caphaurus recon, though, and as a result, used! Score of -1 or less in 2019 a fragmentary archaic Greek carving a... Her in the modern country also seen as being employed in Horace 's Odes, me! J. Atsma, Netherlands & new Zealand, ( Apollonius Rhodius 4.1493, Hyginus Fab 14 ) score! As being employed in Horace 's Odes, to banter Lucius Aelius lamia the praetor usually some Spear with. Then yes, Ive seen this claimed. ) also, in,... Interlocutors spoke to him in Greek mythology, Medusa, was found in itself. Do know that there are African Greeks for data on the origins of the gods, one the. Culture, she became a symbol of the gods, one of the figures. As far as I know the Medusa legend, we have to look at that it could turn to... Goddess who was the goddess of Hunting and War goddess who was the goddess of Hunting War...

Sugar Belle Mandarin Tree, Heaven's Gate Crime Scene Photos, Articles M