Istanbul | Basilica Cistern | Medusa

MEDUSA

 

It is not known exactly where these two heads came from, but there is a rumour saying that they were brought here after being removed from an antique building of the late Roman period. Another mystery is about why one of the Medusa heads is upside down while the other is tilted to one side.

 

But it is commonly accepted by scientist that they were placed in that way deliberately. If one wants to go deeper in wanting to know more about the history of the mythological of Medusa one can come across the following story :

 

It is said that Medusa was one of the three underground Gorgona Giant Sisters. Out of these three sisters only Medusa was mortal and she had the power of transforming people who looked at her into stones. It is said that in the old times the statues and pictures of Medusa were placed in very important buildings and private places to keep them away from bad omen.

 

in another rumour, Medusa is said to be a girl who was very much proud of her black eyes, long hair and beautiful body. For a long time she was in love with Perseus, the son of Zeus. At the same time Goddess Athene was in love with him and she become jealous of Medusa love with perseus. For that reason she turned Medusa's beautiful hair into horrible snakes. Then whoever looked ate Medusa was bewitched and she was turning people into stone by a mere glance, he cut her head, then won many wars by showing his beloved one's head to enemies.

 

From that time onwards it is said that Byzanthine swords handles were stylised with Medusa's head.

 

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