| − | The '''Cyclopes''' are members of the Greco-mythical race of giants with a single eye in the middle of their forehead, like monsters. The most famous of these was Polyphemus, descendant of [[Poseidon]] from Homer's [[Odyssey]]. | + | The '''Cyclopes''' are members of the Greco-mythical race of giants with a single eye in the middle of their forehead, like monsters. The most famous of these was [[Polyphemus]], descendant of [[Poseidon]] from Homer's [[Odyssey]]. |
| | '''Medea''' ,(from the Greek for cunning), was a [[sorceress]], daughter of [[Aeetes]], king of [[Colchis]]. She helped [[Jason]] to obtain the [[Golden Fleece]] and married him. However, she was deserted in [[Corinth]] and avenged herself by killing their two children. | | '''Medea''' ,(from the Greek for cunning), was a [[sorceress]], daughter of [[Aeetes]], king of [[Colchis]]. She helped [[Jason]] to obtain the [[Golden Fleece]] and married him. However, she was deserted in [[Corinth]] and avenged herself by killing their two children. |
| − | '''Medusa''' was one of the [[Gorgon]]s. Legends said that she was the fairest of the beautiful [[Gorgon sisters]]- yet also the [[vain]]est. By means of deflating Medusa's [[ego]], the [[goddess]] [[Athena]] changed the belle's gorgeous golden tresses into a mass of lethal [[snake]]s. Nevertheless, Medusa still continued to spend hours in front of the mirror, even though suitors shied away, because she was possessing of many more attractive qualities as well. Outraged at Medusa's [[narcissism]], Athena decided to punish all of the Gorgon sisters. She exiled them to a deserted, isolated island. Then she put an additional curse on them: if a mortal ever looked at them straight in the eyes, s/he would turn to stone. Over the years spent alone in their new domain, they eventually turned into [[monster]]s, with characteristics such as long, yellow [[fang]]s, clammy skin, and monstrous size. After many brave heroes had been reduced to statues by her lethal glare, Medusa was eventually slain by [[Perseus]], who avoided looking at her eyes by instead observing her through her reflection in Athena's reflective [[shield]]. He succeeded in beheading the monster, and, when she died, [[Pegasus]], the winged horse, flew out of her neck. | + | '''Medusa''' was one of the [[Gorgon]]s. Legends said that she was the fairest of the beautiful Gorgon sisters- yet also the [[vain]]est. By means of deflating Medusa's [[ego]], the [[goddess]] [[Athena]] changed the belle's gorgeous golden tresses into a mass of lethal [[snake]]s. Nevertheless, Medusa still continued to spend hours in front of the mirror, even though suitors shied away, because she was possessing of many more attractive qualities as well. Outraged at Medusa's [[narcissism]], Athena decided to punish all of the Gorgon sisters. She exiled them to a deserted, isolated island. Then she put an additional curse on them: if a mortal ever looked at them straight in the eyes, s/he would turn to stone. Over the years spent alone in their new domain, they eventually turned into [[monster]]s, with characteristics such as long, yellow [[fang]]s, clammy skin, and monstrous size. After many brave heroes had been reduced to statues by her lethal glare, Medusa was eventually slain by [[Perseus]], who avoided looking at her eyes by instead observing her through her reflection in Athena's reflective [[shield]]. He succeeded in beheading the monster, and, when she died, [[Pegasus]], the winged horse, flew out of her neck. |