Poseidon the Rapist?!

[Laisrean]

On the history channel there is a new series called "Clash of the Gods"and one episode is about Medusa, and it explained that Medusa was once a normal woman who was a priestess in the temple to Athena, but then for some reason the god Poseidon raped here in the temple and yet Athena became enraged at her for this and transformed her into the monster that we all know and love...

And then later when Perseus killed her and chopped off her head he gave her head back to Athena as an offering and Athena put the head on her shield.

That all just seems wrong to me on so many levels. :goodgrief:

[OneGreyOwl]

On the history channel there is a new series called "Clash of the Gods"and one episode is about Medusa, and it explained that Medusa was once a normal woman who was a priestess in the temple to Athena, but then for some reason the god Poseidon raped here in the temple and yet Athena became enraged at her for this and transformed her into the monster that we all know and love...

And then later when Perseus killed her and chopped off her head he gave her head back to Athena as an offering and Athena put the head on her shield.

That all just seems wrong to me on so many levels. :goodgrief:You never heard that one before? The god Poseidon raped Medusa because of her beauty. He tried to hook up the conventional ways and she rebuffed him so he took her against her will, in the Goddess' temple, and Athena was pissed at Medusa over it, blaming the victim for the rape.

I've always felt bad for Medusa. I have a plaque of her on my wall and consider her a protective energy.

[novimarra]

Ick that's what you get when your gods are all people-like. :(

[ninurta2008]

Ick that's what you get when your gods are all people-like. :(
They can do some people-like things can't they?

[novimarra]

They can do some people-like things can't they?

Sure, if that's the type of pantheon one prefers. I'm still considering my way around this kind of thing... a while ago I posted a thread about adopting a pantheon's (Greek, etc.) ancient culture along with the spiritual practices. In other words, respecting the ancient Greeks' hangups about women (or whatever applies), just because you practice Hellenismos. Here's that thread: http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=174354&highlight=feminism+religion I have to say, though, I could hardly be satisfied worshiping a rapist... :ack:

[Laisrean]

Greek hangups about women? Well, Athena was a female deity and actually one of the more highly respected ones... the city of Athens was named after her, of course...

And that kinda makes it all the more odd, because as a woman why would Athena get pissed at Medusa for being a rape victim?

[Twinkle]

One thing to remember when it comes to the Ancient Greeks and their Gods is that the Gods are not their myths.

It also helps to know that the term "rape" in Ancient Greek culture is much different than our modern sensibilities.

[banondraig]

It also helps to know that the term "rape" in Ancient Greek culture is much different than our modern sensibilities.

Could you elaborate on this, please?

[OneGreyOwl]

Could you elaborate on this, please?I'd love to hear this, too. Everything I've run across (in an admittedly most cursory manner) has said the meaning of the word is best described as muddy. Nobody seems to be quite sure what defined rape in the ancient Greek culture.

[Twinkle]

I will. I'm at work right now, but once I get home and pull out the old books I'll post a more in-depth response.

[Toki Wartooth]

One thing to remember when it comes to the Ancient Greeks and their Gods is that the Gods are not their myths.

It also helps to know that the term "rape" in Ancient Greek culture is much different than our modern sensibilities.

Indeed.

Maybe this is solely from an ancient Roman perspective, but doesn't the term "rape" often mean and/or include "kidnapping"?

This reminds me of debate around the meaning of the word "virgin."

[Fluoxetine]

This may help

http://www.stoa.org/diotima/essays/rape_harris.shtml

[Agaliha]

Indeed.

Maybe this is solely from an ancient Roman perspective, but doesn't the term "rape" often mean and/or include "kidnapping"?
This reminds me of debate around the meaning of the word "virgin."

Dictionary.com shows just that--
4. an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation: the rape of the countryside.
5. Archaic. the act of seizing and carrying off by force.

1250–1300; (v.) ME rapen < AF raper < L rapere to seize, carry off by force, plunder; (n.) ME < AF ra(a)p(e), deriv. of raperhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png

[Middle English, from rapen, to rape, from Old French raper, to abduct, from Latin rapere, to seize; see rep- in Indo-European roots.]

[aranarose]

Dictionary.com shows just that--
4. an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation: the rape of the countryside.
5. Archaic. the act of seizing and carrying off by force.

1250–1300; (v.) ME rapen < AF raper < L rapere to seize, carry off by force, plunder; (n.) ME < AF ra(a)p(e), deriv. of raperhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png

[Middle English, from rapen, to rape, from Old French raper, to abduct, from Latin rapere, to seize; see rep- in Indo-European roots.]

That doesn't really mean that the concept was the same in mythological times.

[Fluoxetine]

Rape in Greek terms were that of cosort/intimate laison. It does not mean the taking place of sex was rape but more that of a union.

[Infinite Grey]

-snerks- Greek Mythology is full of rape, incest and bestiality. How could someone make it through High School and not know this?

[Agaliha]

That doesn't really mean that the concept was the same in mythological times.

True, but people that translated/wrote about ancient texts and mythology could have been using those definitions of rape to mean abducted/seized. That's what I hinting at. It would be helpful if there was the original Greek text to see, that way the context of the word rape would be known.

Texts like Bulfinch's Mythology (http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/bulf/index.htm) where written in 1855.
Many more mythology texts where written around that time as well, when I'm sure that meaning of rape was more common and known than it is today:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/index.htm

A lot of the old texts have words that are archaic, meanings that are changed or don't apply anymore. I've seen many instances when adding them to the MW Library.

[aranarose]

True, but people that translated/wrote about ancient texts and mythology could have been using those definitions of rape to mean abducted/seized. That's what I hinting at. It would be helpful if there was the original Greek text to see, that way the context of the word rape would be known.

Texts like Bulfinch's Mythology (http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/bulf/index.htm) where written in 1855.
Many more mythology texts where written around that time as well, when I'm sure that meaning of rape was more common and known than it is today:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/index.htm

A lot of the old texts have words that are archaic, meanings that are changed or don't apply anymore. I've seen many instances when adding them to the MW Library.

Yep, it makes truly figuring out the meaning of the ancient texts very, very difficult. But fun nonetheless!

[Hamadryade]

Considering how very pervasive rape is in greek mythology, I have come to my own conclusion about it. One must consider the fact that these women never get angry or even, they just accept. I think something else must be going on. A mistranslation, a different concept given the same word, something that does not quite mesh with reality.

But yes, I too, am rather enjoying Clash of the Gods.

[Liberty]

Interesting topic.
I actually good a course on Greek and Roman myth and heroes on a whim.
But yeah, as someone already mentioned the translation can get skewed. Aside from the translation the way of life and culture back then was much different than how things are in the Western world now.

[Lavender Rainflower]

Well a teacher explained it to me like this, rape to the older civilization was looked at as the women’s flat more so then men. Like the women should not have been it the position to let this happen. And he also said that while Athena was as female she was very domineering, masculine, and would not side with a mortal of anther God.

[Fiamma]

and would not side with a mortal of anther God.

Do what now?

[David19]

I'd be interested in knowing how rape was seen in ancient Greece, I didn't know that about Poseidon and Medusa, all I know of Medusa was that she had snakes for hair and could turn people to stone, until her head got cut off (and, then, if I'm remembering correctly, the head is placed on Athena's shield).

I'll have to watch that episode.

This is one of the reasons why I really like 'Clash of the Gods'.

[~*Sacred*~]

Do what now?
would not side with a mortal over another god

context... :uhhuhuh: lol

The way the show depicted it, Athena got angry because being the Goddess of War, she was more like males - so she had the male "thought" (like how it often is today) that if a girl is raped she brought it upon herself... that's what the show said, not me.

I'm enjoying this thread a lot.

[~*Sacred*~]

I'd be interested in knowing how rape was seen in ancient Greece, I didn't know that about Poseidon and Medusa, all I know of Medusa was that she had snakes for hair and could turn people to stone, until her head got cut off (and, then, if I'm remembering correctly, the head is placed on Athena's shield).

I'll have to watch that episode.

This is one of the reasons why I really like 'Clash of the Gods'.

I had no idea either. I'm enjoying the show a ton - so is my husband. Of course, it's t.v.....and it's Gods so there's going to be misinformation, but it sparks for an interesting conversation and info searching on Google :hahugh:

[Fiamma]

The way the show depicted it, Athena got angry because being the Goddess of War, she was more like males - so she had the male "thought" (like how it often is today) that if a girl is raped she brought it upon herself... that's what the show said, not me.

I'm enjoying this thread a lot.

Funny they would say that, seeing as there is at least one instance of her rescuing a girl by turning her into an owl in mythology:


"[The crow:] "My father was the famous king of Phocis, Coroneus, as the world knows well enough, and I was a princess, and I was wooed (you must not laugh) by many a wealthy man. My beauty doomed me. One day on the shore, pacing across the sand with long slow strides, as I still do, the Sea-God [Poseidon] saw me there, and fell in love with me. In my flight I left he hard firm beach and soon, in the soft sand, was quite worn out - in vain! I cried for help to gods and men. No human heard my voice; a virgin’s anguish moved the Virgin’s [Athena’s] heart and Minerva brought her aid. I raised my arms to heaven; along my arms a sable down of feathers spread. I strove to throw my cloak back from my shoulders: that was feathers too, deep-rooted in my skin. I tried to beat my hands on my bare breast and had no hands nor bare breast any more. And then I ran, and found the sand no longer clogged my feet; I skimmed the surface; in a trice I soared high up into the air; and I was given to Minerva [Athena], her companion without stain." - Ovid, Metamorphoses 2.569

...and then there is the story of Hephaestus's attempt to have his way with her against her will:


"Erikhthonios [king of Athens], according to some, was the son of Hephaistos and Kranaus’ daughter Atthis, while others say his parents were Hephaistos and Athene, in the following manner. Athene went to Hephaistos because she wanted to make some weapons. But he, deserted by Aphrodite, let himself become aroused by Athene, and started chasing her as she ran from him. When he caught up with her with much effort (for he was lame), he tried to enter her, but she, being the model of virginal self-control, would not let him; so as he ejaculated, his semen fell on her leg. In revulsion Athene wiped it off with some wool, which she threw on the ground. And as she was fleeing and the semen fell to the earth, Erikhthonios came into being." - Apollodorus, The Library 3.187

I haven't seen this series on tv, but everything I've heard about it from others whose opinions I trust is basically that it's very contemptuous, dismissive and misrepresenting of the gods.

[~*Sacred*~]

Funny they would say that, seeing as there is at least one instance of her rescuing a girl by turning her into an owl in mythology:



...and then there is the story of Hephaestus's attempt to have his way with her against her will:



I haven't seen this series on tv, but everything I've heard about it from others whose opinions I trust is basically that it's very contemptuous, dismissive and misrepresenting of the gods.
I agree - which has peeked my curiosity to research the Greek Gods. The show is interesting nonetheless. Something I watch while putting my eldest daughter to sleep.

[Louisvillian]

That all just seems wrong to me on so many levels. :goodgrief
This kind of stuff happens a lot in Greek mythology. A lot.
Most modern polytheists that recognise the Greek gods don't take the myths literally, though; ancient Greeks didn't, either, according to some writings of the late Hellenistic era.

In any case. Rape was viewed very different in the ancient world compared to now. While today it is held to be a very grievous crime and is taken very seriously, in Antiquity it was seen more as something that happened; just another part of a harsh and unforgiving world. To ancient mythographers, it was perfectly fine for a god to rape mortals, because the gods were the embodiment of that harsh and often cruel world. They were sovereign and absolute, and could do pretty much whatever the hell they wanted.
Ancient mythology was not exactly pleasant, as you can tell. :D

[HetHert]

As with all civilizations that span a myriad of years the tales get changed...

http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html <-- pretty good explanation of the incarnations and stories surrounding Medusa. When I look at her earlier incarnations on plates the round face with tusks and the lolling tongue I'm reminded of Kali for some reason.

[David19]

I had no idea either. I'm enjoying the show a ton - so is my husband. Of course, it's t.v.....and it's Gods so there's going to be misinformation, but it sparks for an interesting conversation and info searching on Google :hahugh:

I know what you mean, it may not be the most accurate, from what I hear from others who don't like it, but, it is a really fun show, and has some cool things about it, I like especially like the visuals, I mean, how bad-ass does Zeus look? :boing:.


Funny they would say that, seeing as there is at least one instance of her rescuing a girl by turning her into an owl in mythology:



...and then there is the story of Hephaestus's attempt to have his way with her against her will:



I haven't seen this series on tv, but everything I've heard about it from others whose opinions I trust is basically that it's very contemptuous, dismissive and misrepresenting of the gods.

I didn't know all that, thanks for posting it :).


I agree - which has peeked my curiosity to research the Greek Gods. The show is interesting nonetheless. Something I watch while putting my eldest daughter to sleep.

Not to get too OT, but, I didn't know you had a daughter, congrats :) (this may be a late congrats, clearly, I've missed some things).

[Torey]

The gods also raped human women amongst other things.

[BryonMorrigan]

One thing to remember when it comes to the Ancient Greeks and their Gods is that the Gods are not their myths.

It also helps to know that the term "rape" in Ancient Greek culture is much different than our modern sensibilities.

Q4T.

In addition, as has been noted by others...

"Clash of the Gods," while somewhat entertaining due to its cool imagery and F/X...is blatantly anti-Polytheist and is full of hardcore Christian triumphalism. I have them all on DVR, but have not made it all the way through them because I get so disgusted by some of the Christian bulls--t.

It's like making a documentary about Judaism, and then at the end saying, "But all of this is neither here nor there...as JEEBUS TEH MESSIAH has done come, and all the people still bein' Jews are goin' tah HELLL!"

[Philosophia]

Funny they would say that, seeing as there is at least one instance of her rescuing a girl by turning her into an owl in mythology:
...and then there is the story of Hephaestus's attempt to have his way with her against her will:

I haven't seen this series on tv, but everything I've heard about it from others whose opinions I trust is basically that it's very contemptuous, dismissive and misrepresenting of the gods.

Exactly. I haven't see the series but what I have heard about it, I don't think I will. Based upon other's observations, I tend to think that they either take the myths literally or the deities lack depth.

[Agaliha]

For those that couldn't see the show when it was on, there are some links to various uploads here (http://www.surfthechannel.com/show/78049.html).

And someone uploaded some on YT, see:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnthonyFJG

I haven't watched all but a few snippets here and there, but I assume it's not totally accurate in regard to the myths and interpretation.

[Laisrean]

The gods also raped human women amongst other things.

Medusa was a human woman.

[Agaliha]

Medusa was a human woman.

Was she human exactly?
She was a gorgon and the only one of three to be mortal.
Does mortal = human? I'm not exactly sure.
Theoi says the gorgons are, "powerful, winged daemons (http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/sea-gods.html)"

http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html

[Twinkle]

I'm so sorry I haven't been back here to give some academic source material on rape on Ancient Greece. I've had a raging headache for the last two days. Hopefully it will ease off today and I'll be able to actually do something productive.

In terms of bestiality, rape, and other unethical behavior (vice) found among the Gods in almost all forms of mythology, not just Greek -

I remember that if the Gods were full of vice, they would not be Gods. In terms of Hellenic cosmology (at least mine) - the Gods spring forth (as we all do) from a Single Divine Source. It is unknowable in its perfection.

The Gods are closer to this Source than mortals, and are therefore above vice. This means - no rapists, no feelings of jealousy or wrath, no hate.

What we see in myths is purely allegorical. There are nuggets of wisdom to be found in myth - and also some historical stuff, to be sure. The parts about the Gods raping women in the shape of Geece? Nah.

In terms of rape in myth, allegorically speaking, an argument could be made that rape is about power. Therefore, Hades "raping" Persephone could mean that he overpowered her and made her submit to him - not on a sexual level - but in a way that brought her to his realm. Hence the whole re-birth and regeneration thing we see going on in the myth as well.

Now, in the actual culture Hades was not seen or worshipped as a rapist. He was worshipped as Pluton, a benevolent bringer of abundance from the earth, and Persephone was worshipped as Kore, his bride.

Hera in myth was seen as a jealous shrew who was all about punishing Zeus' many lovers.

In the culture she was beloved as an integral part of marriage. She was seen as committment, devotion, and marital love and fidelity.

While the myths are awesome, and probably how must of us were introduced to the Gods, to take the myths as literal *gospel* is really missing out on the totality of these Deities, and I think will give a very slanted (if not ignorant) view.

[David19]

Q4T.

In addition, as has been noted by others...

"Clash of the Gods," while somewhat entertaining due to its cool imagery and F/X...is blatantly anti-Polytheist and is full of hardcore Christian triumphalism. I have them all on DVR, but have not made it all the way through them because I get so disgusted by some of the Christian bulls--t.

It's like making a documentary about Judaism, and then at the end saying, "But all of this is neither here nor there...as JEEBUS TEH MESSIAH has done come, and all the people still bein' Jews are goin' tah HELLL!"

I haven't actually watched them in full yet, but, if that is true, then, I agree that can be annoying, but, I'd just ignore the blatant Christian message (just like most Jews laugh at those who go "Jesus is the only way, you filthy Jews are gonna burn in Hell".


For those that couldn't see the show when it was on, there are some links to various uploads here (http://www.surfthechannel.com/show/78049.html).

And someone uploaded some on YT, see:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnthonyFJG

I haven't watched all but a few snippets here and there, but I assume it's not totally accurate in regard to the myths and interpretation.

Thankyou so much for providing those links :thumbsup:.


Was she human exactly?
She was a gorgon and the only one of three to be mortal.
Does mortal = human? I'm not exactly sure.
Theoi says the gorgons are, "powerful, winged daemons (http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/sea-gods.html)"

http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html

I can't be sure, but, if I'm remembering correctly some of the stuff I've read, humans weren't/aren't the only mortal creatures that exist, there are other beings that live and die, like (and please anyone correct me if I'm wrong on this), I think, the Nypmhs were said to be long lived, but, do die, same with some Daemons, I think Plutarch said something about the decline in Oracles being due to the Daemons that provided the Oracles dying out (for whatever reason), although, I did think Apollo was the one who provided the Oracle of Delphi with her visions, maybe it was Daemons of Apollo instead?.


I'm so sorry I haven't been back here to give some academic source material on rape on Ancient Greece. I've had a raging headache for the last two days. Hopefully it will ease off today and I'll be able to actually do something productive.

In terms of bestiality, rape, and other unethical behavior (vice) found among the Gods in almost all forms of mythology, not just Greek -

I remember that if the Gods were full of vice, they would not be Gods. In terms of Hellenic cosmology (at least mine) - the Gods spring forth (as we all do) from a Single Divine Source. It is unknowable in its perfection.

The Gods are closer to this Source than mortals, and are therefore above vice. This means - no rapists, no feelings of jealousy or wrath, no hate.

What we see in myths is purely allegorical. There are nuggets of wisdom to be found in myth - and also some historical stuff, to be sure. The parts about the Gods raping women in the shape of Geece? Nah.

In terms of rape in myth, allegorically speaking, an argument could be made that rape is about power. Therefore, Hades "raping" Persephone could mean that he overpowered her and made her submit to him - not on a sexual level - but in a way that brought her to his realm. Hence the whole re-birth and regeneration thing we see going on in the myth as well.

Now, in the actual culture Hades was not seen or worshipped as a rapist. He was worshipped as Pluton, a benevolent bringer of abundance from the earth, and Persephone was worshipped as Kore, his bride.

Hera in myth was seen as a jealous shrew who was all about punishing Zeus' many lovers.

In the culture she was beloved as an integral part of marriage. She was seen as committment, devotion, and marital love and fidelity.

While the myths are awesome, and probably how must of us were introduced to the Gods, to take the myths as literal *gospel* is really missing out on the totality of these Deities, and I think will give a very slanted (if not ignorant) view.

Thanks for that info, and I hope your headache is better today. I heard that Hades/Pluton didn't have any Temples dedicated to him, is that true?, or, was it just Hades in his aspect/Epithet of a God of the dead that just wasn't worshipped but his benevolent bringer of abundance was worshipped and honoured?.

I understand that the Myths aren't seen in a literal manner, I do enjoy the visuals of the Myths, and how it's portrayed in 'Clash of the Gods' (like I said previous times, the tattooed, lightning throwing Zeus looks amazing, done in a much better way than the usual ways he's always depicted in movies and TV programmes).

Thanks again.

[Twinkle]

Hades had two cults honored to him. One was a solo priest who was mostly hidden from view, the other we know very little about.

No temples.

In funeral rites the ground was beaten on in honor of him....but there is precious little about Hades.

Pluton - his more benevolent aspect - had temples out the Wazoo.

[aranarose]

Was she human exactly?
She was a gorgon and the only one of three to be mortal.
Does mortal = human? I'm not exactly sure.
Theoi says the gorgons are, "powerful, winged daemons (http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/sea-gods.html)"

http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html

She was human, a priestess of Athena's temple, was then raped by Poseidon, and punished by Athena. Her punishment was being turned into a gorgon.

However, those are the more recent myths about Medusa.

The oldest myths tell nothing of her origin, only that she could turn men to stone with just a glance.

[~*Sacred*~]

I know what you mean, it may not be the most accurate, from what I hear from others who don't like it, but, it is a really fun show, and has some cool things about it, I like especially like the visuals, I mean, how bad-ass does Zeus look? :boing:.



I didn't know all that, thanks for posting it :).



Not to get too OT, but, I didn't know you had a daughter, congrats :) (this may be a late congrats, clearly, I've missed some things).
LOL, thanks! I have two daughters (Kailey & Nola). Kailey is 3, Nola will be 6mths on the 20th. They were both born on Sabbats. Interesting eh?

[Laisrean]

Was she human exactly?
She was a gorgon and the only one of three to be mortal.
Does mortal = human? I'm not exactly sure.
Theoi says the gorgons are, "powerful, winged daemons (http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/sea-gods.html)"

http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Gorgones.html

If you read the first post in the thread I explained exactly what happened... she was a human who was raped by Poseidon, and as punishment for the crime of being raped Athena transformed her into a Gorgon.

If she was the only Gorgon to be mortal it may be because she wasn't a Gorgon by birth, but it was what she was transformed into...

[OneGreyOwl]

Medusa was a human woman.No, she was of the Gorgon race.

[~*Sacred*~]

O_o

wasn't that just discussed...?

[Laisrean]

No, she was of the Gorgon race.

Incorrect. She was a human who was transformed into a Gorgon as punishment for being raped.

[aranarose]

No, she was of the Gorgon race.

That depends on the myths. The earliest myths only speak of her as a Gorgon, however, later myths have her as a woman, one of Athena's priestesses. As a priestess of a virgin goddess, she was required to remain virginal. Poseidon raped her in the temple, double sacrilege there... and Athena punished Medusa by turning her into a Gorgon.

Though I half wonder if it was meant to be a punishment, or if it was meant to protect her from a society that dealt harshly with rape victims anyway...

[David19]

Hades had two cults honored to him. One was a solo priest who was mostly hidden from view, the other we know very little about.

No temples.

In funeral rites the ground was beaten on in honor of him....but there is precious little about Hades.

Pluton - his more benevolent aspect - had temples out the Wazoo.

Thanks for the informative information, I didn't know that, I did know Pluton was considered a benevolent aspect of him, in that he was in charge of wealth (wealth of the earth, financial wealth, etc), although, to be honest, I originally, thought Pluton was more Roman than Hellenic. When you say solo Priest, do you mean there was only one at a time, or just one Priest in all of history?

[David19]

LOL, thanks! I have two daughters (Kailey & Nola). Kailey is 3, Nola will be 6mths on the 20th. They were both born on Sabbats. Interesting eh?

I seriously must have missed that then, although I haven't been into the Pregnancy sub-forum in ages, so, that's probably why. Again, congrats, I'm sure you're a great mum :cheers:, and very cool that they're both born on Sabbats, maybe you're raising 2 little Witches!.


That depends on the myths. The earliest myths only speak of her as a Gorgon, however, later myths have her as a woman, one of Athena's priestesses. As a priestess of a virgin goddess, she was required to remain virginal. Poseidon raped her in the temple, double sacrilege there... and Athena punished Medusa by turning her into a Gorgon.

Though I half wonder if it was meant to be a punishment, or if it was meant to protect her from a society that dealt harshly with rape victims anyway...

That's an interesting perspective on the Myth, maybe so....

[Dark Phoenix]

That depends on the myths. The earliest myths only speak of her as a Gorgon, however, later myths have her as a woman, one of Athena's priestesses. As a priestess of a virgin goddess, she was required to remain virginal. Poseidon raped her in the temple, double sacrilege there... and Athena punished Medusa by turning her into a Gorgon.

Correct, her being a mortal raped by Poseidon and transformed came later. Like many myths this one had a few different versions.

[Melian The Maia]

I tend to understand 'rape' in Greek mythology in the same meaning as we use it today. When you bear in mind that this was a time when most cities were the object of attack (which is usually followed by plunder and rape), the concept of rape was a fact of life. I guess that's the reason why women in Greek mythology are not portrayed as 'devastated' by such an assault, like we would today (then again, human nature has changed little since then and Heaven only knows how these women felt). And as someone mentioned earlier, women were cited as the guilty party when a rape happened, because the norms of the day (ancient Greece being quite the patriarchal society) expected them to not let an opportunity for rape to arise. I say this because, even though we live in the 21st century, there is still a minority of people in my country (mostly men) that think a rape is incited by the victim. Very sad yet true.

Concerning Poseidon raping Medusa, you have to bear in mind that it's a God that wishes to fornicate with a human and in Greek mythology, who's a mere human to refuse a God what he wants? If he expressed his wishes in an acceptable way (for the time) to said human and was rebuffed, it's no surprise for the ancient Greeks that he should have his way no matter what.

For me, Greek mythology concerning the Gods & Goddesses boils down to "if you're a human, you just don't say no to a God/dess."

[Twinkle]

And yet in myth there are mortals that have said no.

[Son of Goddess]

Thanks for the informative information, I didn't know that, I did know Pluton was considered a benevolent aspect of him, in that he was in charge of wealth (wealth of the earth, financial wealth, etc), although, to be honest, I originally, thought Pluton was more Roman than Hellenic. When you say solo Priest, do you mean there was only one at a time, or just one Priest in all of history?

Pluto derives from the Greek plutos. The Roman God of the dead is Father Dis.

[LittlePinky82]

Yes I've heard that before. :( Quite sad.

[David19]

Pluto derives from the Greek plutos. The Roman God of the dead is Father Dis.

Thanks for correcting me, I didn't know that at all, was Father Dis worshipped at all (e.g. did he have Temples, a Priesthood, etc)?.

[Son of Goddess]

Thanks for correcting me, I didn't know that at all, was Father Dis worshipped at all (e.g. did he have Temples, a Priesthood, etc)?.

There were games instituted for Him and Proserpina, though the exact name escapes me at the moment I wanna say it was something to the effect of Ludi Taureii. They were periodically celebrated over a certain number of years. That was the extension of any particular worship.

[David19]

There were games instituted for Him and Proserpina, though the exact name escapes me at the moment I wanna say it was something to the effect of Ludi Taureii. They were periodically celebrated over a certain number of years. That was the extension of any particular worship.

Again, thanks for the info :).

[Rosetta Morrigan]

I saw this too. What a shame...poor Medusa!

[Laisrean]

The Gods/Godesses certainly are capable of cruelty... actually, this makes perfect sense because it helps to explain why there is so much wrong with our world... there is also good too, and we shouldn't forget that, but the gods aren't perfect beings even if they are immortal and omnipotent.

[aluokaloo]

On the history channel there is a new series called "Clash of the Gods"and one episode is about Medusa, and it explained that Medusa was once a normal woman who was a priestess in the temple to Athena, but then for some reason the god Poseidon raped here in the temple and yet Athena became enraged at her for this and transformed her into the monster that we all know and love...

And then later when Perseus killed her and chopped off her head he gave her head back to Athena as an offering and Athena put the head on her shield.

That all just seems wrong to me on so many levels. :goodgrief:

alot of deities do alot of nasty things in mythology. rape, murder, incest, oppress, kidnap, blame people for things they had no control over, blame each other for things they had no control over. alot of people have fluffied alot of the deities and have conveniently forgotten all the cruddy stuff they've done.