Medusa: The origins of the Gorgon | Dark Mythologies

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Lady of the Library

Lady of the Library

Күн бұрын

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:46 The myth of the Gorgon
4:27 Sponsor
5:56 The Myth of Medusa
12:58 Perseus and Medusa
15:51 The Graeae
17:55 The Head of Medusa
18:36 Medusa as an Amazon
21:29 Medusa after Antiquity
22:15 Medusa and Freud
24:41 Medusa’s Gaze
Disclaimer: I am a Book Depository Affiliate. I am not sponsored for any of my reviews and will always disclose if a book I am reviewing has been sent to me for review.
References:
Dexter, Miriam Robbins. “The Ferocious and the Erotic: ‘Beautiful’ Medusa and the Neolithic Bird and Snake.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, vol. 26, no. 1, 2010, pp. 25-41. JSTOR, doi.org/10.2979/fsr.2010.26.1.25. Accessed 8 Nov. 2022.
Foster, Hal. “Medusa and the Real.” RES: Anthropology and Aesthetics, no. 44, 2003, pp. 181-90. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20167613. Accessed 8 Nov. 2022.
Howe, Thalia Phillies. “The Origin and Function of the Gorgon-Head.” American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 58, no. 3, 1954, pp. 209-21. JSTOR, doi.org/10.2307/500901. Accessed 9 Nov. 2022.
Miller, Arthur A. “An Interpretation of the Symbolism of Medusa.” American Imago, vol. 15, no. 4, 1958, pp. 389-99. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/26301656. Accessed 9 Nov. 2022.
Jesi, Furio. “The Gorgon.” East and West, vol. 10, no. 1/2, 1959, pp. 88-93. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/29754081. Accessed 8 Nov. 2022.
SCHLUTZ, ALEXANDER M. “Recovering the Beauty of Medusa.” Studies in Romanticism, vol. 54, no. 3, 2015, pp. 329-53. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43973908. Accessed 2 Nov. 2022.
Susan R. Bowers. “Medusa and the Female Gaze.” NWSA Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, 1990, pp. 217-35. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/4316018. Accessed 8 Nov. 2022.

Пікірлер: 370
@CAP198462
@CAP198462 Жыл бұрын
Ah yes, Medusa. I remember a lecture about her in anthropology class at university. The Professor’s interpretation was Medusa’s description and powers were based on a corpse. More specifically on the corpse of someone that died by drowning and had been left exposed for a few days. They claimed she wasn’t turning people to literal stone, but paralysing them with fear and revulsion at seeing a such a sight. Perseus’ murder of her is about conquering his fear of death. That’s just one interpretation though, but I thought I’d share it with you and the internet.
@Gojirosan
@Gojirosan Жыл бұрын
Dave - There's no way Cinzia can top the Lilith video. Cinzia - Hold my snake wig...
@lesliemoiseauthor
@lesliemoiseauthor Жыл бұрын
🤗
@lindsey3894
@lindsey3894 7 ай бұрын
🤣
@cramerfloro5936
@cramerfloro5936 Жыл бұрын
There is another innocent monster whose head had apotropaic functions, which always reminded me of Medusa: Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest. He is slayed by the hero-king Gilgamesh and his wild companion Enkidu, when they try to cut wood from his domain. While his terrifying appearance has lead many scholars to call Humbaba "the first monster", given the old age of this story, it's important to note that a majority of the texts describe his death as a tragedy, focussing of the wild animals in his forest-kingdom who are now without protection, or on his grieving children who are left orphans. The markings on his face also reconnect to yet another figure with apotropaic functions: the egyptian house-spirit Bes.
@danielleculler1495
@danielleculler1495 Жыл бұрын
I personally would love to see Athena covered as a topic. The feminist perspective that she was arming Medusa against further attack and also assisting Arache with developing her craft (rather than just creating monsters out of anger) I think is fascinating.
@caterpillar1936
@caterpillar1936 Жыл бұрын
Would medusa's defenses work against the gods tho? Maybe just the fact that she isn't beautiful anymore is enough to defend her.
@kostasbiker9302
@kostasbiker9302 Жыл бұрын
Only there's 0 "feminist perspective" in this myth because Medusa was only violated in Ovid's version which is irrelevant,more so because Ovid hated authority and Athena(Minerva). Athena being jealous of Arachne is also a reinvention of that myth, which also makes that irrelevant
@ruisryan
@ruisryan Жыл бұрын
I second the idea of an Athena video.
@zach415
@zach415 Жыл бұрын
@@kostasbiker9302 and Ovid was Roman, not Greek and Medusa’s story predates Ovid by a few centuries
@kostasbiker9302
@kostasbiker9302 Жыл бұрын
@@zach415 Obviously and it's not like we have no sources before him.
@Zugzug386
@Zugzug386 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderful video on Medusa and yeah can always rely on Freud and Jungian psychology for some oddly "pointed" views.
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@JoePedo
@JoePedo Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois What would you do if you had looked at Medusa?
@holyfreak8
@holyfreak8 Жыл бұрын
I remember being a kid and watching Saint Seiya, The shield of Medusa. About the story itself, is an interesting trope in greek mythology how a curse causes someone "normal" to became a monster.
@susinator
@susinator Жыл бұрын
This is one of the last places I'd see Saint Seiya being referenced.
@Ancaryvan
@Ancaryvan Жыл бұрын
To me there is flaw in both Manga and Anime, Pegasus should immune to Medusa's petrification but the creator forgets that.
@instinctivelychelsea2905
@instinctivelychelsea2905 Жыл бұрын
Their is something nice about knowing I'm a regular when you say that I always smile 😁
@glenjennett
@glenjennett Жыл бұрын
Great episode. I was thinking while watching how interesting it would be for someone to make a movie depicting the life and hardships Medusa as a woman must have faced back in ancient times, without all the mythology and symbolism she is cursed with.
@bogbuns
@bogbuns 11 ай бұрын
Yes!! I second this. Any Medusa story though!
@brittanywilton324
@brittanywilton324 Жыл бұрын
To me, the reasoning behind Perseus' actions is that he wants to protect his mother. Nothing more and nothing less, the king could have told him to kill anything and he would have done it. Shown in the fact that he only uses her head to protect his mother and Andromda from relationships that they don't want.
@JohnAnderson-ev3lp
@JohnAnderson-ev3lp Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately she only see's every through the lense of feminism as she ironically craps on other philosophers for doing something similar
@brittanywilton324
@brittanywilton324 Жыл бұрын
@John Anderson one of the few things I hate in life is a hypocrite, if you don't like something don't do it yourself
@jupitersun3
@jupitersun3 11 сағат бұрын
@@JohnAnderson-ev3lp 🎻🎻🎻
@goblinwizard735
@goblinwizard735 Жыл бұрын
Nice one. So many good bits. I especially liked the connections to Shamanism. The bronze mirror connection particularly. Freud bashing was just bonus.
@adriankay8410
@adriankay8410 Жыл бұрын
I you are wondering about the constant focus shift it's your hand. Turn off auto focus and set the camera to focus on a specific length. This might cause the image to darken so increase ISO or add ambient lighting to compensate.
@johannweber5185
@johannweber5185 Жыл бұрын
I agree that trying to switch off autofocus would be a good idea. Why should it cause the image to darken? Of course, unless you stop down to increase the depth of field?
@cramerfloro5936
@cramerfloro5936 Жыл бұрын
We had to read the italian author Vittorio Imbriani in literature, and he loved the trope of "the petrifying woman". He often used it to associate female sexuality with the morbid (which was kind of his kink) and you can find it in his novel "Merope the iv" (Merope iv) or the short story "the petrifier" (L'Impietratrice). While our professor acknowledged Imbriani's great intelligence and importance to italian literature, it was absolutely hilarious to watch him roast the author for his chauvinism, elitism and general assholery!
@angelaatwood46
@angelaatwood46 Жыл бұрын
Of course, I watched Clash of the Titans when I was young. My favorite part was Medusa, in her lair, how she came across and not only what it looked like where she lived, but the frightening stop motion of her. It scared me and fascinated me. This talk has been very enlightening! I've seen Medusa tattoos on someone, but if I were ever to get a tattoo of Medusa, I would choose a very beautiful face with her snake hair. I don't have any tattoos, but I'm just saying.
@Tehbestestevasss
@Tehbestestevasss Жыл бұрын
I think you should try turning off auto-focus and just set it for about the depth you normally sit at. You don't really lean forward or backward any, so you could get it pretty much set. it was super distracting watching it focus in and out and flash with light and dark etc etc.
@nefderath1
@nefderath1 Жыл бұрын
Oh, Good! I'm three gummies deep and thought it was my brain going out of focus.
@theConquerersMama
@theConquerersMama Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Seeing the flashing dots was very distracting.
@UsenameTakenWasTaken
@UsenameTakenWasTaken Жыл бұрын
I literally can't watch the screen. It causes me physical pain.
@PaulaBean
@PaulaBean Жыл бұрын
Yes. I couldn't watch it either. So I switched off my screen and listened to the audio ;-)
@brandoftheraisin
@brandoftheraisin Жыл бұрын
I’ve been fascinated with Medusa since I first read of her, and always more sympathetic/empathetic to her, like saw her more of like an awesome woman and a victim rather than a villain or monster. Now say it with me “Medusa. Did. Nothing. Wrong.” Anyway awesome and informative video I’m glad to know more about my favorite Gorgon!
@barbaralaibuta7710
@barbaralaibuta7710 Жыл бұрын
I have my peppermint hot chocolate ready and I'm just gonna cosy up in my bed and watch this! Thank you ❤️
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
I hope you enjoy!
@emmajones8715
@emmajones8715 Жыл бұрын
That sounds much nicer that sitting in a dark car park waiting for my son to finish swimming. Still Cinzia can be enjoying anywhere!
@barbaralaibuta7710
@barbaralaibuta7710 Жыл бұрын
@@emmajones8715 I hope you get home soon and safe! ❤️
@adeeraborge
@adeeraborge Жыл бұрын
I’ve recently found your channel and LOVE IT ❤ I’ve been binging all of your dark mythology videos, and I would love love love to see you do a series on the origin stories of the Grimms fairytales and their lesser known tales. I would also love to hear your take on popular folklore/mythology following on from sirens, and onto pixies, fairies, cryptids, etc. Egyptian gods would be so interesting also. Looking forward to your next video 🥂😊
@JoePedo
@JoePedo Жыл бұрын
What would you do if you looked at Medusa?
@ktomeir
@ktomeir Жыл бұрын
Focusing on the original myth of Perseus and Medusa, the only times he uses the head is in the defense of women from their attackers or unwanted suiters. He doesn't use it to defend himself or to defeat his own enemies, only the predators prowling towards the women he cares about. Perhaps the head of Medusa is not only a tool but also a requirement of the hero to protect his loved ones, specifically and especially women attacked by men, as Medusa once was.
@jessicalulila5709
@jessicalulila5709 Жыл бұрын
Not really, there's one myth where Perseus uses the head to turn Atlas into stone, no woman involved
@ReadingNymph
@ReadingNymph Жыл бұрын
Medusa is fascinating, loved this as always
@linseyspolidoro5122
@linseyspolidoro5122 Жыл бұрын
The most interesting perspective to me about the Medusa myth was that Athena was giving her the ability to protect herself. Especially considering her other sisters were both immortal and already gorgons. It always seemed to me like a strange detail to make her the only mortal (and also a very beautiful) sister, if it wasn’t actually pertinent to the themes of the myth. I know this is slightly undercut (lol) by Perseus slaying her but that also always seemed like less heroic triumph and more of a limp attempt to lessen her strength as a figure, in her own right, at least to me. Also, if you plan to do more Greek mythology, you should check out or even talk to the KZfaqr Alaikai, she is a reconstructionist Hellenic polytheist, and she does a lot of academic analysis on the Greek gods, myths, ancient practice, etc.
@kostasbiker9302
@kostasbiker9302 Жыл бұрын
Medusa was never raped in myth, that's Ovid's version and it deliberately makes the gods look bad.
@jessicalulila5709
@jessicalulila5709 Жыл бұрын
Medusa was a monster since birth in Greek Mythology
@ingeniousmaultasche6602
@ingeniousmaultasche6602 Жыл бұрын
Maybe, if you already claim to know something about Mythology, don’t reference to the ROMAN text of Ovid?
@eccentriastes6273
@eccentriastes6273 Жыл бұрын
If the Gorgons' defining feature is their terrifying appearance (since that is apparently the etymology of the name and presumably the reason for their appearance on Athena's shield and their apotropaic use), then being turned to stone is easily read as a metaphor for being paralyzed by fear. And that suggests a further analysis. To succeed, Perseus has to look at the scary thing, but not directly, instead reflected in his shield. Then he can conquer it and even turn it into his own tool. Now what could that mean in practice, I wonder? When a fear is too powerful to defeat head on, how do we face it indirectly? I also want to point out the placement of Medusa's backstory in Ovid's Metamorphoses, the one where she's turned into a monster by Minerva/Athena as punishment for being raped. Medusa's backstory is delivered while Perseus is riding high, having already killed her and the sea monster, rescued and married an Ethiopian princess and is now at the wedding feast. Someone asks "Hey, what was Medusa's deal anyway?" and he tells the story briefly and without apparent sympathy. And that's the end of Book IV. What a downer. I really think this is meant to subvert Perseus's big moment. It doesn't quite make him the bad guy (the whole "Medusa wasn't harming anyone" thing just isn't true, at least in Ovid's telling), but it does morally complicate the situation, for sure. Suddenly we can't just view Medusa as a one-dimensional monster knowing she only became a monster because she was turned into one by the very goddess who helps Perseus kill her. All part of Ovid's skepticism of divine justice and heroism and his focus on female victimization, not just by the men/gods who assault them but also by others in the aftermath. There's something sort of in the direction of feminism there, but the more complicated feminist interpretations of Medusa tend to lose me.
@Jumpoable
@Jumpoable Жыл бұрын
Medusa ("Ruling One") must have been a primordial neolithic Mother Goddess (or triple goddesses with her "sisters") of the Southern Mediterranean (associated with Poseidon, so a consort of the sea god?) with origins shrouded in mystery. When I visited Sicily, her head is ALL over Sicily (symbol of protection), even reproduced as colourful busts for the tourist market. & nobody could tell me WHY her imagery was so popular (her fearsome gorgon's head is also featured on Sicily's flag, together with the Triskelion). It's surely not JUST because of her association with Athena, Athens & Greece... The Ancient Greeks portably just co-opted this archaic female deity, turned her into a hideous monster (Gorgon "Terrifying/ Fierce"), beheaded her & attached her to their preeminent patron goddess Athena, just as early Christians associated Pan & his imagery (got horns, hooves) into "The Devil." All modern feminist readings of her myth are just apologetics, fascinating but frustratingly so.
@darkhalf75
@darkhalf75 Жыл бұрын
I would love it if you did a deep dive into the characters of Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld. His deep and humorous takes on certain mythical characters.
@pumellhorne
@pumellhorne Жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed this. I was familiar with the basics of the myth but had no idea it went so deep and was so representative of the female mythical being. We're so used to the male hero journey that we can be blind to the powerful female, especially when we've been told our whole lives that making eye contact with her will destroy us. I'd love to hear more!
@whimsicalmusedesign
@whimsicalmusedesign Жыл бұрын
I’m so glad you are talking about Medusa!!!! I love this story and the history behind her! It so interesting! I hope you are having a sublime day!
@RU81111
@RU81111 Жыл бұрын
Another great vid! I really enjoy these myth breaks, they feel educational while still retaining that feeling of wonder from when I first learned about these myths as a kid. Great vibes
@ChixieMary
@ChixieMary Жыл бұрын
I remember reading Homer and Ovid in high school in the '70s. Left me very angry about the Athena punishing the victim in scenario for the Medusa. Thank you for your excellent work. Your diligence is definitely appreciated. ❤️🎉
@kostasbiker9302
@kostasbiker9302 Жыл бұрын
Medusa wasn't a victim of anything, Ovid was a jackass that hated the gods and authority, so he made that retarded version.
@SuzanaHarcum
@SuzanaHarcum Жыл бұрын
Loved this video, I’d really like to know more about Medusa if you ever do add to this. I always loved her story but the perspectives you introduced were new to me and really made me love her more. Thank you for another great video, your videos have been really wonderful to binge and I look forward to more!
@rhiiilol2399
@rhiiilol2399 Жыл бұрын
The auto focus was really going balls to the wall in the middle there
@LuckyStone888
@LuckyStone888 Жыл бұрын
I do love how you asked the dogs to be quiet in the most polite way possible,. I did have a dog that worked on but he was very smart,
@KrystalBr0wn
@KrystalBr0wn Жыл бұрын
I have been on KZfaq for 12 years and have been waiting for a channel like yours forever! Where have you been all my life. I love listening to your videos while working or studying.
@FaeQueenCory
@FaeQueenCory Жыл бұрын
Expanding on the ægis relationship to Medusa as a protective force could be interesting.
@tanjamilenkovic1917
@tanjamilenkovic1917 Жыл бұрын
I enjoyed in this video very much! Personally live for mythology, but you made it so cool and real. Thank you for your content!
@YusufGinnah
@YusufGinnah Жыл бұрын
Discovered this channel yesterday and absolutely addicted already!! Thank you!
@summerfrost6396
@summerfrost6396 Жыл бұрын
It's funny. One drop poisons, the second cures. Kinda like a snake's bite (one drop) poisons and it's venom (second drop) heals.
@andreadybvik
@andreadybvik 3 ай бұрын
Medusa came up for me today, and this was an amazing video for me to get to know her energy a little bit! Thanks you so much for sharing 🤍
@winterburden
@winterburden Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this super cool Medusa video!
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@Magali_theRecordKeeper
@Magali_theRecordKeeper Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing these fascinating interpretations of Medusa. I remember going down fun rabbit holes studying gorgon and gorgoneion iconography back during my own master's research: lots of fun!
@ashleydavis1937
@ashleydavis1937 Жыл бұрын
Wonderfully interesting as always. I love the theory of Persus becoming Medusa. So many interesting takes on the story
@melowlw8638
@melowlw8638 Жыл бұрын
i thought this video had come out a few days ago bc i just subscribed but i realise it just came out!! thank you for this video and for linking your reads for the research i have studied a bit of the frontal view of Medusa and our teacher added to that aspect with the representation of eyes in ancient greek pottery painting so i was pleasantly surprised to see u mention that point too even if its not the main point of your video
@nickrhodes9031
@nickrhodes9031 Жыл бұрын
Loving this series of videos. Fascinating as ever. The sneaking suspicion that your analysis of the textual on historical interpretation of the back of a crisp packet would be no less compelling currently peers over my shoulder.
@sacredpaw
@sacredpaw Ай бұрын
I love your channel! Very informative, interesting , fun and educational . Mythology and Folklore are two big loves of mine. I enjoy hearing your doggies playing , so cute. ❤🐶🐾
@crystallinecrow3365
@crystallinecrow3365 Жыл бұрын
This is everything. I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel. Thank you. 🖤 🐍
@Sweetinfernalcreature
@Sweetinfernalcreature Жыл бұрын
I've only just found you through the lilith video and your channel is all ive been looking for. Also, I must say, I absolutely love your voice. It is not droning like some and it keeps me engaged while also being very pleasant, even mellifluous!
@genevievelancaster7436
@genevievelancaster7436 Жыл бұрын
I have such an affinity for medusa and this is definitely one of my favorite videos about her!!! You are so well spoken love it!!
@Alkusanat
@Alkusanat Жыл бұрын
First time on your channel and I'm definitely staying here. You have my subscription, and my strong interest!
@Richard-vv9re
@Richard-vv9re Жыл бұрын
When she said "the erotic is born of chaos" the first thing that poped into my mind was Slaanesh and the gods of chaos from Warhammer 40k, but i really enjoyed this video as a history enjoyer i love this kind of content, by the way i really like your voice.
@karenhikesalot
@karenhikesalot Жыл бұрын
I just found you and have been binge watching all your videos! Where have you been all my life?
@ultimatekitten2111
@ultimatekitten2111 Жыл бұрын
Hiding from me, lol
@neutrinobuddy
@neutrinobuddy Жыл бұрын
Love this video, made me feel a lot of emotions and connections I did not know were fully in me
@paganjoe1
@paganjoe1 Жыл бұрын
I have always loved Medusa. Thank you so much for making this video!!! It was excellent!!!
@bwalker77
@bwalker77 Жыл бұрын
I prefer the origin where the Gorgons were born monster, either childs of Phorcys and Ceto, or of Typhon and Echidna. Having them cursed by Athena* makes the latter look quite cruel, especially considering Neptune is a rival of hers and should be the one taking the blame. *Of course, it isn't really Athena as much as it is Minerva. Romans and Greeks' myths are quite similar, but Romans preferred Aries/Mars to Athena/Minerva, so Minerva is portrayed a lot more negatively than Athena, patron goddess of Athens, was by the Greeks.
@rantanen1
@rantanen1 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for another video, glad I found your channel
@rhondaragsdale
@rhondaragsdale Жыл бұрын
Fantastic commentary!
@ElizaEtoile
@ElizaEtoile 10 ай бұрын
This was incredible, thank you 🖤🐍🖤 a pt 2 would be deeply appreciated if you ever wanted to do more!🙏🏻 🖤👁️ 🖤
@mercurialfox
@mercurialfox Жыл бұрын
Really loved this one, I'd happily listen to more about Medusa!
@denxylboart4403
@denxylboart4403 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your video. I've always loved the story of Medusa i enjoyed every bit of this ❤
@helenstevensactress
@helenstevensactress Жыл бұрын
Your video is so awesome!!!! Yeah I would love to hear you talk more about Medusa. ❤❤❤
@fmdj
@fmdj Жыл бұрын
The autofocus of your camera seems to be having an awesome time too 😂
@alley2231
@alley2231 Жыл бұрын
Yes! Absolutely, definitely and please to more information on Medusa! New sub here and love ❤ your content!! And you're spooky voice!
@raquelsbutterfliestorres2299
@raquelsbutterfliestorres2299 Жыл бұрын
Omg so cool just found ur channel I love it! Yes please more about Medusa.
@Denise-ki9ii
@Denise-ki9ii Жыл бұрын
Fascinating-Medusa is one of my favourites. Interesting to hear the different versions of her myth.
@DogWalkerBill
@DogWalkerBill Жыл бұрын
Early on under Myth of the Gorgon, the creature on the vase has a face reminiscent of certain mythical creatures from India or Tibet or Far East. I once saw a writer who claimed the myth of Medusa came from Libya. He (she?) speculated that the myth of the snakes on her head was because a Greek or Phoenician sailor saw a Black woman with what we would call 'dread locks.' That just sounded so plausible to me! Although, I bet Greek or Phoenician women had long hair they braided and wound about their head, held in place with hair pins.
@tone8816
@tone8816 6 ай бұрын
Reading Greek mythology, i use to love researching and reading about Medusa. Love these type of videos!!
@colinthompson3111
@colinthompson3111 Жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed this video!
@gamenation9485
@gamenation9485 Жыл бұрын
I liked this, actually really like this way of storytelling and narration 🖤
@isoreyesore1296
@isoreyesore1296 Жыл бұрын
Can't wait to watch!
@TheresAHarpy
@TheresAHarpy Жыл бұрын
A little distracting with the auto brightness but I love this video!!
@Jumpoable
@Jumpoable Жыл бұрын
I've watched most Medusa videos on the net & many of them merely focus on modern feminist readings of her myth --- all just apologetics, fascinating but frustratingly so --- as well as Afrocentric views proclaiming that she's black, y'all. But your profound analysis just KNOCKED this OUT of the PARK, ma'am, when you connected Medusa to Neolithic shamanic imagery of the divine feminine & her serpentine wisdom. I bow down to your lotus feet. Medusa ("Ruling One") must have been a primordial Mother Goddess (or triple goddesses with her "sisters") of the Southern Mediterranean (associated with Poseidon, so a consort of the sea god?) with origins shrouded in mystery. When I visited Sicily, her pretty head is ALL over Sicily, even reproduced as colourful busts for the tourist market. & nobody could tell me WHY her imagery was so popular ("for protection" is the usual answer). Her wrathful (i.e. fugly fearsome form) gorgon's face is also featured on Sicily's flag, together with the Triskelion). It's surely not JUST because of her association with Athena, Athens & Greece... The Ancient Greeks portably just co-opted this archaic female deity, turned her into a hideous monster (Gorgon "Terrifying/ Fierce"), beheaded her & attached her to their preeminent patron goddess Athena, just as early Christians associated Pan & his imagery (got horns, hooves) into "The Devil." Connecting her all the way to Indo-European imagery, Medusa could be a Mediterranean form of the now Shakti (Feminine Power) & all her forms --- Parvati ("mountain goddess")/ Durga ("Fierce") / Kali ("Darkness"), consort of Shiva, who also wields a trident & is associated with bulls (his archaic form also makes him Pashupati "Lord of the Beasts").
@emeraldgypsyheart
@emeraldgypsyheart Жыл бұрын
We found your video on krampus and started watching you. We LOVE your. Diction and pace. I’ll be looking into your other channel.
@thehermit8723
@thehermit8723 11 ай бұрын
In Greek myths Medusa was born a Gorgon along with her sisters.
@brittanyfenner4490
@brittanyfenner4490 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful!! Thank you!!
@TheBookofBeasts
@TheBookofBeasts Жыл бұрын
Yes more on Medusa please!!!!!!!!
@rosyleija2823
@rosyleija2823 Жыл бұрын
I love your videos.. I'm glad to find you 😌
@millymollymrst3537
@millymollymrst3537 Жыл бұрын
You always make fascinating videos on interesting subjects or people. Could you possibly look at hades and the underworld.😊
@TheGregoryrasputin
@TheGregoryrasputin 10 ай бұрын
Hello there! I’m really enjoying your anslses of the various Greek Myths. If not already, would you be able to do a video on the catabasis, or descent into the underworld? Thankyou 😊
@TheEclecticPhotog
@TheEclecticPhotog Жыл бұрын
I've seen the comments about the focusing problem with this video and the subsequent idea to go faceless for future videos and I have to say please don't go entirely faceless in your future videos because I feel as if I'm having an intellectual conversation with an intelligent friend when I watch your videos. Having said that, if you do go faceless I will continue to watch, do what is best for you.
@theConquerersMama
@theConquerersMama Жыл бұрын
Yes, I hope you do not go faceless. There must be a way to disable the autofocus. It has not been an issue in other videos. We/I enjoy seeing you.
@andrewlicciardo7480
@andrewlicciardo7480 Жыл бұрын
Excellent Video👍
@mr.narrator6781
@mr.narrator6781 Жыл бұрын
I truly love your content and this video, it was a little hard to watch with the in and out focus due to the blinking bulb right behind your chair. Your camera didn't know what to focus on. You moving or your light blinking. Great synopsis of the Medusa legend and her origin.
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Sorry about that. Don't worry, I'm going faceless from now on after feedback from this video, so it won't be an issue in the future
@mr.narrator6781
@mr.narrator6781 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois Nooo lol don't do that, it was just a lighting issue. Please we love seeing you narrating you videos. It's never been an issue before this video. I was just trying to point it out because I'd never seen that happen in your vids before.
@mr.narrator6781
@mr.narrator6781 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois please again don't go faceless. I'm sorry that mine or any other comment made you feel like you should do so. Again I love what you do please don't change your format.
@timothyhopper4956
@timothyhopper4956 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois Thank you for going to the effort of recording video and editing; it must be very frustrating with the auto-focus issues, and we do very much appreciate the output. Hope this doesn't sound sarcastic, it isn't meant to be at all.
@rowanwax
@rowanwax Жыл бұрын
Wow, lovely introduction indeed!!! Fascinating seeing how her story has shifted and changed over the years. Even today talking about her is controversial. Good or bad. Powerful but passive. Is there something about her that draws you in? Do you have a favorite story about her?
@goskaparchatka
@goskaparchatka Жыл бұрын
Yes please more Medusas!
@anianiani602
@anianiani602 Жыл бұрын
Once again a great video. Could you make one on Melinoe? She’s such a cool goddess and I haven’t seen much content about her.
@danielletallman6280
@danielletallman6280 Жыл бұрын
Super informative! I love your videos! …why does the video keep randomly re-focusing though?
@aka99
@aka99 Жыл бұрын
Very well educational video. Like it! Btw cute dog. Would you think about making a video about Prometheus? =) Or Hydra and Kerberos?
@milesromine9960
@milesromine9960 Жыл бұрын
Love the videos
@daneckabargas6690
@daneckabargas6690 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
thank you 😊
@daneckabargas6690
@daneckabargas6690 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois of course! I wanted to comment more but it kept coming out fangirly rather than something I won't cringe on later in life, but your videos are so inspiring and we're lucky to have your content
@ricardoheredia7307
@ricardoheredia7307 Жыл бұрын
AGAIN!!!!!BRILLIANT👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@M.O.1981
@M.O.1981 Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@whoeverofhowevermany
@whoeverofhowevermany Жыл бұрын
The way the camera keeps going in and out of focus is poetic to the subject matter
@veresannamaria4584
@veresannamaria4584 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video, the Medusa story in green mythology Is fascinating
@stefanfilipovits21
@stefanfilipovits21 Жыл бұрын
Do you have any interest in discussing Medea? I’d love to hear your take on her.
@jacobkamphaus5565
@jacobkamphaus5565 Жыл бұрын
Love this video! I had to listen to this in the background because the constantly changing focus was giving me a headache.
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Don’t worry, I’m going faceless from now on so this won’t be an issue
@jacobkamphaus5565
@jacobkamphaus5565 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois thank you for replying! Sad, because I hope thats only because of the camera issue and not any other weird or negative feedback :( maybe picture in picture?
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
@@jacobkamphaus5565 It's an amalgamation of a lot of negative feedback, but the camera issue just cemented it as a sign haha
@jacobkamphaus5565
@jacobkamphaus5565 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois Im terribly sorry to hear that, but delighted to know I can support you and your work while not agrrevating my the peculiar festures of my "disorder" that present me with sensory overload difficulties.
@jacobkamphaus5565
@jacobkamphaus5565 Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois while it do be like dat, that sucks.
@lamenia
@lamenia Жыл бұрын
Loving the Dark Mythology series
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much
@tenebrousoul9368
@tenebrousoul9368 Жыл бұрын
Artemis, please. I've always adored how strong she was and how she bucked the reigns of patriarchy. She is independent and wild, primal and virginal, ( a great metaphor for the wild lands she hunted). She was unforgiving when men tried to violate her autonomy, and she could be ruthless if you drew her ire.
@scriptmonkeys71
@scriptmonkeys71 Жыл бұрын
Thank you. The Gorgon myth is and mystique has always been fascinating to me.
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much
@johnpelosi4117
@johnpelosi4117 Жыл бұрын
I saw earlier that you are lamenting your camera, I must say that for me it is not a bother, I very much enjoy seeing you speaking. Thank you for your terrific content and analysis.
@DavidMacDowellBlue
@DavidMacDowellBlue Жыл бұрын
A thousand thanks for this.
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Thank you too!
@DavidMacDowellBlue
@DavidMacDowellBlue Жыл бұрын
@@CinziaDuBois I am especially interested in this subject because I have begun writing a play titled FOR LOVE OF MEDUSA putting my very own 'spin' on this lady's tale, entwining it with a few other Greek myths. Interestingly, I mentioned this to some actors in a production of Margaret ATwood's PENELOPIAD last night and their eyes lit up. One I swear was trying to manifest snakes out of her head!
@Dale_The_Space_Wizard
@Dale_The_Space_Wizard Жыл бұрын
I always saw the Medusa as symbolising fear. The sort of paralyzing fear that would cause a warrior to freeze in battle. The act of beheading the Medusa is conquering fear and then using the head as a weapon is symbolic of harnessing that fear and turning it upon the enemy. Causing them to be paralysed in fear instead of yourself. I saw the reason why Medusa's heads were worn into battle or placed on buildings was to instill fear into the enemy or evil spirits that seek to do one harm. When a boy grows into a man he must conquer fear or allow his family, tribe, city etc be enslaved by the enemy. He needs to bring fear to the enemy so that he may destroy them and save his kin.
@catspaw3092
@catspaw3092 Жыл бұрын
Hopefully you do one of Artemis.
@owen69884
@owen69884 8 ай бұрын
Very much enjoyed the discussion of the origins of the myth. As for later interpretations and analyses (especially in the last 100 years or so years), they say much more about the people proposing them than they do about the myth itself. Roman versions of Greek myths are especially problematic for understanding what lies behind the myth, although they say a lot about (some) Romans, just as current interpretations say a lot about those people. What is interesting to me is the presence of the gorgon in Homer on the aegis. Athena is not just a god of war but a god of psywar and IW; as such, the gorgon represents her ability to instill fear in her adversaries. Thousands of years later, Medusa (the gorgon) is still doing that: Freud (I don't like him either) seems to have been writing about what he feared and was neurotic about, projecting it on Medusa; current commentators appear to be doing the same thing -- projecting what they are afraid of onto the myth, and appropriating Medusa as a way to express those fears. So there's something to be said for Medusa instilling fear and "petrifying" people with their own fears. Those ancient Greeks (and I mean the really ancient Greeks of the time of Homer and before) were pretty smart. PS: I wouldn't put a lot of stock in "Leather Arm's" tales (I think he's the one you're mentioning?). He seemed to be having a lot of fun writing fantasy fiction way back when. (It's actually not bad as fantasy fiction goes.)
@lawrencehamahona7895
@lawrencehamahona7895 Жыл бұрын
Most Excellent
@CinziaDuBois
@CinziaDuBois Жыл бұрын
Many many thanks
@marekpravda7487
@marekpravda7487 9 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for very comprehensive analysis of the Medusa. The only thing that bothered be while watching this was the camera focus as it was changing all the time from you, to your background. But other than that, great job. :)
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