September 26, 2025

Medusa: Solving the Mystery of the Gorgon

21 minutes

Explores the origins and symbolism of the Gorgon myth, particularly focusing on Medusa. The author, Stephen R. Wilk, expresses gratitude to various family members and academics who supported his work, including Professor Jerome Y. Lettvin, whose article inspired the book. The book aims to offer a comprehensive "solution" to the "mystery" of the Gorgon by examining its mythological context, artistic representations, and parallels across diverse cultures like those of Egypt, India, Japan, and Mesoamerica. Wilk also proposes a novel astronomical explanation for the Gorgon's characteristics, linking them to the variable stars Mira and Algol, and further discusses the Gorgon's practical function as an apotropaic device on shields, architecture (like gargoyles and antefixes), and everyday objects like cups. Ultimately, Wilk suggests that the Gorgon's terrifying features are rooted in the appearance of a decaying corpse or a person experiencing a hysterical fit, and concludes by examining the Gorgon's evolution in art, literature, and modern media, including its resurgence as a symbol of empowered female rage.

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