Tale of a Gorgon; MEDUSA

The curse

Athena was magnificent in her white dress and she held Nike in her right hand. Her hair was long and moved briskly. Medusa quickly knelt down and guessed what had brought the goddess to descend on her temple.

"You do know what has caused me to come?!!" said Athena in her most solemn voice. "You have gone against my precepts and the sanctity of my temple!" Medusa was trembling and tried to speak but the goddess noticing her efforts to speak said in a loud and authoritative voice: "Boasting about this beauty you are so proud of has led to you violating the chastity and sanctity of my sanctuary and for this repelling act of yours you shall receive the most suitable punishment! May beauty and seduction of men be banished from you and hideousness, monstrous and appalling suit you for eternity!" As the goddess said those words she dissolved into thin air leaving a confused and shocked Medusa behind.

Medusa was terrified of the wrath of Athena and cried out for her mercy. But the goddess was disgusted and paid no heed to Medusa's plight.