Gorgon, Gorgonian, GorgonizeΓΟΡΓΩΝ, γοργων

By: JC Everett and James Evans

History● A gorgon was any of three snake-haired sisters whose

appearance turned the beholder to stone.● Medusa is the most famous of the three. ● Medusa was beheaded by Perseus, who avoided looking at

her by watching her reflection in his mirror-like shield. ● Gorgonize means to have a paralyzing or mesmerizing effect,

hence the gorgons being able to turn people to stone.● Gorgonian, derived from gorgon, are a type of soft corals

easily distinguished by their complex branching shape, which most likely inspired their name.

Modern Use● A common type of jellyfish are classified, in the subphylum, as

Medusozoa. ● Medusa is featured in the Percy Jackson series, as well as the

movie, The Lightning Thief, where she was portrayed by Uma Thurman.

● She was also featured in both the original Clash of the Titans, and the most recent film.

● The three gorgons are also featured in DC Comics, where they frequently fight against Wonder Woman.

Sources● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gorgon ● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gorgonian ● https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gorgonize ● https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131115094958.htm