Medusa. One of the three Gorgons whose hair was entwined with hissing serpents, and their bodies were covered with impenetrable scales; they had wings, and brazen claws, and enormous teeth, and whoever looked upon them was turned to stone. Medusa, who alone of the sisters was mortal, was, according to some legends at first a beautiful maiden, but her hair was changed into serpents by Athena (Minerva), in consequence of her having become by Poseidon (Neptune) the mother of Chrysaor and Pegasus, in one of Athena's temples. She was killed by Perseus, and her head was fixed on the shield of Minerva. From her blood sprang the winged horse, Pegasus.
