Also called Stheno, Euryale, Medusa.
Their story
The Gorgons are three sisters, daughters of the sea-gods Phorcys and Ceto, living at the edge of the world beyond Oceanus. Stheno and Euryale are immortal, but Medusa was mortal, and Perseus beheaded her. Pindar says Athena invented the flute to imitate the wailing of the surviving sisters. The gorgon face, or gorgoneion, was used on shields, temples and pottery to ward off harm.
Best times to give to them
- When hanging a protective charm
- None traditional
What they like being given
- None are traditional; a gorgon-face image by the door, as on ancient shields and roofs
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
How to honour them
- Use the gorgon face as the Greeks did, as a protective sign to turn evil away.
- Reflect on facing frightening things indirectly, as Perseus used his shield.
How they can help you
- Protection
- Facing fear
- Understanding apotropaic images
Symbols
- snake hair
- gorgoneion mask
- tusks
- wings
Medusa has her own entry.
Sources
- Hesiod, Theogony 274-283
- Hesiod, Shield of Heracles 216-237
- Pindar, Pythian 12.6-24
- Apollodorus, Library 2.4.2-3
More Greek spirits
- The Anemoi The four winds
- The Muses The nine daughters of Memory
- The Moirai Spinners of the thread of life
- The Charites The Graces of joy and charm
- The Horae Keepers of the seasons and order
- The Erinyes Avengers of blood and broken oaths
- The Harpies The snatchers
- The Centaurs The wild horse-men of the hills