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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

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The Gorgons in Greek Mythology
The Gorgons were a trio of monsters in Greek mythology. They were sisters who were legendary for their horrible faces (and bodies), and ancient Greek artists seemed especially fond of depicting the Gorgons as grotesque creatures. And because of their terrifying appearance and abilities, these mythic monsters were the perfect beings to play evil enemy to a host of Greek heroes.

One of our best primary sources for information about the Gorgons comes from the Theogony of Hesiod. In this poem that describes the birth of the Greek gods and goddesses, we learn that the Gorgons were the daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. In addition, we find some other important hints about the nature of these monsters from Hesiod:

"To Phorcys Ceto bore the fair-cheeked Graiae...
then the Gorgons, who dwell beyond glorious Okeanos,
at earth's end, toward night, by the clear-voiced Hesperides,
Stheno, Euryale, and ill-fated Medusa
who was mortal; the other two were ageless and immortal."
(Hesiod, Theogony, 270-277)

So from this passage in the Theogony, we know that the Gorgons were the sisters of the Graiae; that they lived in the far West; that they were named Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa; and that two of the sisters - Stheno and Euryale - were immortal, while the third - Medusa - was mortal and therefore could be killed (and indeed, Medusa, as the sole mortal sister, is most famous in mythology for the story of her tragic life and death).

As was previously mentioned, the Gorgons are also notorious for their distinctive appearance. According to ancient Greek artists, these monsters were not just ugly - they were hideous. The Gorgons are commonly portrayed in ancient art with snakes for hair, enormous tongues, teeth that would make a boar blush with envy, and a stare that could literally petrify. However, it is also worth noting that in some versions of the myth of the Gorgons, Medusa is described as a beautiful woman who makes the unfortunate mistake of comparing her beauty to that of the goddess Athena - see the page about Medusa for more details.

Do you have a specific question about Greek mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!

Who's Who in Classical Mythology

This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters - and creatures - from Classical myth and legend. And the book features a great description of the Gorgons.