Perseus and Medusa Trail: Researching the story

 The Story of Perseus and Medusa

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Perseus-Greek-mythology

• Perseus is the son of Zeus and Danae. 
• Danae is the daughter of Acrisius of Argos
• Acrisius casted Perseus and his mother in to the sea in a chest. 
• Where the chest landed was with Polydectes of Seriphus. He desired Danae so he tricked Perseus into promising to obtain the head of Medusa. 
• Medusa is the only mortal gorgon. 
• Perseus was aided by Athena and Hermes on his quest. They persuaded Graiae (one of the sisters of the Gorgons) into helping him. This was by seizing the one eye and one tooth the gorgons shared and not returning it until he had winged sandals (to fly), the cap of Hades (invisibility), a curved sword (to decapitate Medusa) and a bag to conceal the head. 
• Because of Medusa's gaze turning all who looked at her to stone, Perseus decided to guide himself through by her reflection. He did this by the shield given to him from Athena. 
• He beheaded Medusa as she slept. 
• He returned to Seriphus and rescued his mother by turning Polydectes and his supporters to stone at the sight of Medusas head. 

Depictions of Medusa

Classical Gorgoneion- Head of Medusa, 4BC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa

Ergotimos and Kleitas, Terracotta Stand, 570BC 

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-depictions-medusa-way-society-views-powerful-women

In the earlier depictions of Medusa they have made her comical- using a big nose, a beard and crazed eyes. This is shown in the Classical Gorgoneion and in the Terracotta stand. 

Eugene Romain Thirion, Persee vainqueur de Meduse, 1867 https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-depictions-medusa-way-society-views-powerful-women

Antonio Canova, Perseus with the Head of Medusa, 1804-1806 

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/204758?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=medusa&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=2

In later years the depiction of the Medusa became more feminine and her beauty was a huge significance to her danger. 

Caravaggio, Medusa, 1595 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa

One of the most famous depictions of Medusa is produced by Caravaggio. It isn't comical like the original depictions of Medusa, however, it is unpleasant to look at. It allows the audience to understand that Medusa is the monster. Although I'm not going to create my character design of Medusa as gory. I will make sure the children who are taking part in the trail have a clear understanding that the Gorgon is the enemy.