Modern Mythology 2020

Angel Li
11/7/2019
Period 1

The Divide of Women

Think, Pair, Share: Compare the characterization of Danae and Andromeda against Medusa and her sisters. What is their plight?
         In Danae's case, her father was told the prophecy that his grandson (Danae's child) would kill him, so he decided to lock her up in a bronze bunker underground. Leaving the roof out so the bunker would be exposed to sunlight and air, it allowed Zeus to come down and rain gold. When the father learned that his daughter bore a child, he sent them away in a chest, hoping they would die as a result, In Andromeda's case, she was told she needed to be sacrificed to save the city. Both can be looked like a damsel in distress. Medusa is the only one from her two sisters that is mortal. The sisters are depicted as the bad guys even though they were cursed by the gods. Their plight is that they all are put in danger or negatively affected by someone of a higher status for something they didn't do or have control of.

We then learn that Medusa was cursed by Athena and that is why she looks the way she does. After this, we are shown a video that explains the origins of Medusa

In the video, it starts off by explaining how Medusa was not always considered a monster. She was born to sea gods and possessed great beauty, specifically her hair which was gorgeous. She wanted to dedicate her life as a priestess at a temple of Athena's, and in order to do this, she had to continue being a virgin, remaining pure. Thousands flocked to the temple just to get a glance at her and this made Athena extremely jealous. One day, she caught the attention of Poseidon, who she repeatedly turned down since she had to stay a virgin to be a priestess. Eventually, Poseidon became tired of this and took Medusa by force. As she ran back in the temple, she hoped to receive help from Athena but didn't. As a result of this, Athena cursed Medusa by turning her most beautiful quality (her hair) into snakes and anyone who looked at her turned to stone. She became the attraction for warriors hoping to get her head. Perseus was sent on a mission to get her head and was assisted by the gods. Receiving a helmet that makes you invisible from Hades, winged-sandals from Hermes, a sword that was able to cut through Medusa herself, and a shield chest plate from Athena. The video ends by saying how Medusa is mostly regarded as a cruel monster, although it was Athena who punished her beyond her own control. Even in death, her head can be used to keep evil away.

Whole Group Discussion: According to legend, Medusa only became the monster her figure embodied after falling into pits of despair. What can we understand about monsters in greek myth from the story of Medusa?

Monsters aren't born as naturally evil, but they get shaped through someone out of their own control. We were then asked if we can consider them as "monsters". The class came to a consensus that they aren't really monsters because it all starts with someone innocent living out their normal life but it was gods who intervened and created these monsters.

Danae: The curse
- The dichotomy of women either puts them into a monster status, such as Medusa or completely helpless such as Danae, Andromeda, Europa
        - What would be the purpose of passing this inference onto a younger generation?
                  The purpose would be to fit the mold; In the end, even if you are good, you have to fit the mold of the priestess

Perseus: The hero?
- Though much more likable than Jason, Perseus is able to succeed because of the extended help he receives from Hermes and Athena, yet he is regarded as a hero of this quest
- Even though he was entrapped by Polydectes, Perseus takes on this quest with blind arrogance and yet he is not punished for it
- What makes Perseus more deserving of help compared to his female counterparts
          - Prophecy has to be fulfilled because they always have to come true
         - Is an advantage that his father is Zeus
         - Also ties into the idea that male and females have their separate places; females are depicted as the jealous counterparts, so even with Hera turning others to animals. They may have insecurity issues but Athena still helps Perseus because she doesn't see a threat to her noble status
        - Considered to be demi-gods



Reflection:
Today, I learned that there is a good amount of dichotomy displayed for women. They are always seen as damsels in distress that get in the crossfire of a prophecy or create jealousy among the gods. Medusa, who was originally extremely beautiful was turned into a stone-killing monster and it highlights how helpless she became. I learned this because it helps to depict women's influence and how it evolved over time. In these greek stories, they are always shown as weak and manipulated either by a god or their male counterparts. They are the ones always getting the short end of the stick and suffering much more dearly than males would back then. However, as time passes, we can see their evolution and how the impact they have on society continues to increase up to the present day. I will use what I have learned to better understand a women's point of view from a different lens.