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Before she was known as a monster, Medusa was a young woman whose life changed after an encounter with powerful forces beyond her control. She lived as a priestess in Athena’s temple, where she was expected to honour the goddess and protect the sacred space. After Poseidon entered Athena’s temple and harmed Medusa there, the sacred place was violated. Rather than punishing Poseidon, Athena punished Medusa by transforming her into a Gorgon. Her hair became a mass of snakes, her appearance became feared, and her eyes gained the power to turn anyone who looked at her into stone. Separated from society, Medusa lived alone in a distant cave. People heard stories about the creature with the deadly gaze, but they knew little about the woman she had once been. Anyone who approached her risked being turned to stone, and her isolation became permanent. When Perseus was sent to find her, he was tasked with protecting others from her deadly power. The gods equipped him with weapons and a polished shield so that he could approach her safely. Using the shield’s reflection, Perseus entered her cave and found Medusa asleep. Before Medusa could awaken, Perseus cut off her head. Her power remained after death, and those who looked upon her severed head were still turned to stone. Perseus carried it away as proof of his victory, while Medusa’s story continued to be told through the actions of those who defeated her.