Gorgon

Gorgon, or Gorgo, a mythical conception of the early Greeks, in which may perhaps be traced an impersonation of the thunderstorm. According to Hesiod there were three Gorgons, but Medusa is the only one of importance. From her Poseidon begot Chrysaor and Pegasus (lightning and thunder ? ) who sprang out of the monster's blood, when Perseus, the light-bearing hero, cut off her head and placed it on Athene's shield to turn to stone all who gazed on it. The hideous mask was gradually transformed by art into a beautiful though awesome face of death. Attic legends connect the idea with the war between Zeus and the Titans.