What Does A Medusa Tattoo Mean For A Girl?
10 November 2021, 13:52 | Updated: 10 November 2021, 15:20 Why are people getting Medusa tattoos on TikTok? One powerful interpretation of the figure’s story is behind the meaningful tattoos. If you’ve ever ended up on TattooTok during one of your 3-hour TikTok scrolling sessions, then you may have come across a lot of videos of people getting Medusa tattoos.
We all know the familiar myths and stories of Medusa: the Greek figure with snakes in her hair that could turn men to stone with just one look. There are many variations, retellings and evolutions of Medusa’s story that have been shared over the years, and there are several reasons as to why people get the tattoo.
But one particularly powerful reason appears to be doing the rounds, and it’s very popular on TikTok. READ MORE: What is ’97 percent’ on TikTok? The viral trend explained What do Medusa tattoos mean? The TikTok videos explained. Picture: Thiago Prudêncio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images, Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images People have been getting Medusa tattoos as a symbol of taking back their power and inverting the narrative of a female being punished or blamed after surviving sexual assault.
Per some writings of Greek and Roman mythology, Medusa was raped by Poseidon, then punished and cursed by Athena because of it. According to The Met , the most common interpretation of Medusa in Greek art sees her as an “apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative”.
Medusa represents a “dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. ” Others have interpreted Medusa’s image as a sign of strength, empowerment, determination and safety for women. People are now sharing their Medusa tattoos and their own personal meaning behind them on TikTok.
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What does Medusa symbolize for woman?
The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.
Is it OK to get a Medusa tattoo?
There should be nothing offensive about getting a Medusa tattoo. She is a female monster from Ancient Greek mythology but is also seen as a victim. It is believed that she was cursed by the goddess Athena and that anyone who met her gaze turned to stone.
Are Medusa tattoos offensive?
Is the Medusa tattoo offensive? – The Medusa tattoo is not regarded as offensive as it has now been adopted as an emblem of power for sexual assault survivors. Medusa is recognized as a victim rather than a villain, which gives the inkings of her a poignant meaning.
It has become a symbol for combatting the culture of victim-blaming, as Medusa was a woman made into a monster for her own rape. One TikTok user explained: “That’s why a lot of people have this tattoo, because if they were, they are victims, it is like empowering yourself, taking back your power type of thing.
” Medusa is also considered as a mythological figure who has the ability to deter evil forces. Tattoo artist helps people hide stretch marks and burns with unique no ink method – and goes viral on TikTok.
Is Medusa a symbol of protection?
Medusa. I am 99. 7% confident you have heard of this ‘word’ before but do you actually know who she was and the history behind her ‘image’!? As Medusa is one of the 5 incredible females in History that feature in our ‘Phenomenal Women’ collection of pendants we’re here to teach you a little more about why she’s so awesome and why she is now one of our best-selling pendants! From fighting off the evil, ultimate Protection’ powers and a head full of snake hair, keep reading to learn more on this legend of history. 
What is the story of Medusa? Medusa, whose name probably comes from the Ancient Greek word for ‘guardian’, was one of the three Gorgons and daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto. All of Medusa’s siblings were monsters by birth and, even though she wasn’t one herself, she had the misfortune of being turned into the most hideous of them all. It was written that Medusa’s face was so hideous and her gaze so piercing that the mere sight of her was sufficient to turn a man to stone….
But it wasn’t always like that. Medusa was unique from her sisters in the fact that, unlike her sisters, she was born with a beautiful face. Her lush long hair was claimed to be the “most wonderful of all her charms.
” The great sea god Poseidon seemed to have shared this admiration because he couldn’t resist the temptation and managed to impregnate Medusa in the temple of Athena. Furious, the virgin goddess transformed Medusa’s enchanting hair into a coil of serpents, turning the youngest Gorgon into the monster described above.
Soon after she was impregnated, Perseus was sent on a quest to ‘Fetch me the head of Medusa’ commanded by Polydectes With the help of Athena, Perseus reached the land of the Gorgons ready for his quest.
When he arrived, Medusa was asleep so Perseus using the reflection in Athena’s bronze shield (so as to not look directly at the Gorgons and be turned into stone), managed to cut off her head with his sickle – Hectic! Because Medusa was pregnant at the time of her death, her two unborn children, Chrysaor and Pegasus suddenly sprang from her neck.
The Gorgons (aka Medusa’s sisters) were awoken by the noise and did their best to avenge the death of her, but they could neither see or catch Perseus because he was wearing Hades’ Cap of Invisibility and Hermes’ winged sandals (Epic!) Now that Perseus had Medusa’s head in his bag, he went back to Seriphos.
However, while he was flying over Libya, drops of Medusa’s blood fell to the ground and instantly turned into snakes; it is because of this that, to this day, Libya is filled with serpents…. When Perseus arrived in Seriphos, he used Medusa’s head to turn Polydectes and the vicious islanders into stones; the island was well-known long after for its numerous rocks.
Always the protector of heroes, Athena put aside a lock of Medusa’s hair for Heracles who ended up giving it to Cepheus’ daughter to use it to protect her hometown. Supposedly, even though it didn’t have the power of Medusa’s gaze, the lock could still cast terror into any enemy unfortunate enough to even accidentally behold it.
Does Medusa have any other names? Medusa was also called Gorgo and she was one of the three monstrous Gorgons sister called Medusa, Stheno and Euryale who were all often depicted together in Greek Mythology. 
Where did Medusa hail from? Medusa is apart of the huge intertwining stories of ancient Greek Mythology. What was Medusa most known for? Because Medusa’s head was placed on Athena’s shield and her blood was revealed to hold the power of both life and death, her head became a symbol of protection. In fact, Medusa’s head went on to inspire one of the most powerful talisman of it’s time – the Gorgoneion to which we have now created an amulet for! Whats up with the snakey curly hair of Medusa? Right!? Kind of cool though… ish? Her hair of snakes and reptilian skin are symbolic of the natural cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
- Snakes are used due to their shedding of skin, their rebirth to a new skin;
- This cycle is paralleled with women’s natural cycle of menstruation, which was believed to be synchronized with the cycles of the moon and tide (And we love the Moon & it’s effect here at Luna & Rose) Medusa’s ability to turn men into stone is an important facet of her feminine power;
This is the power over all life, the ability to return life back to the earth from which it came. This is the power which must be reigned in by the patriarchal Greek gods, for it represents a total control over the natural cycle. Where would one traditionally find a depiction of Medusa? Medusa, her sisters, and other Gorgons, have been featured in art and culture from the days of ancient Greece to present day through art, sculpture, writings, poetry and carvings.
- She has been variously portrayed as a monster, a protective symbol, a rallying symbol for liberty, and a sympathetic victim of rape and/or a curse;
- You will find paintings and carvings of her in history museums (mostly in Europe),a lot of history online and today, in one of our beautifully hand-carved pendants;
Why did we decide to made Medusa into a beautiful pendant? We love the story of Medusa and her powers to protect from and ward off negative energy. Our Medusa Pendant is a symbol of Protection, Strength, Femininity, Female Empowerment and the Natural World.
Is Medusa a symbol of feminism?
Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault Any kid born in the early 2000’s has likely heard of the Percy Jackson series. A modern take on ancient Greek mythology, it sent a whole generation into a mythology frenzy — inhaling books and pretending to be half-bloods, picking which gods they wanted as parents.
- True to most tellings, the series portrayed Medusa — an obstacle the main character had to battle — as a heartless wench collecting unlucky statues with incredible force;
- She was cold, calculated, and terrifying;
Now, the same generation has turned her into a feminist icon with a story too many can relate to; instead of being a symbol of fear, Medusa has become the symbol of justice for sexual assault victims.
What does the 3 butterfly tattoo mean?
Do Butterfly Tattoo Bring Good Luck? – Butterfly Tattoos are popular with both men and women. They symbolize transformation, rebirth, and freedom. The meaning behind the butterfly tattoo is that of good luck or fortune in some cultures while others believe it represents renewal after death.
What does a phoenix tattoo mean?
A phoenix symbolizes birth, death, and rebirth, as well as eternity, strength, and renewal. The whole idea that this mythical bird is reborn from the ashes of the flames of death signifies a journey through fire or adversity. It’s a great way to express a transformation or survival of a challenge.
Whats the story behind Medusa?
Medusa – Legend states that Medusa was once a beautiful, avowed priestess of Athena who was cursed for breaking her vow of celibacy. She is not considered a goddess or Olympian , but some variations on her legend say she consorted with one. When Medusa had an affair with the sea god Poseidon , Athena punished her.
- She turned Medusa into a hideous hag, making her hair into writhing snakes and her skin was turned a greenish hue;
- Anyone who locked gaze with Medusa was turned into stone;
- The hero Perseus was sent on a quest to kill Medusa;
He was able to defeat the Gorgon by lopping off her head, which he was able to do by fighting her reflection in his highly polished shield. He later used her head as a weapon to turn enemies to stone. An image of Medusa’s head was placed on Athena’s own armor or shown on her shield.
What flower is associated with Medusa?
Supporting Role – Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images Flowers as part of a myth’s setting often serve an important function or even are key to certain twists in a story. For instance, Persephone was abducted by Hades as she picked flowers with her companions. Myth names the flowers: lily, crocus, violet, iris and rose. Drawn to some narcissus flowers, though, Persephone strayed from her companions, giving Hades his opportunity.
- Particular gods had particular flowers associated with and sacred to them.
- The strawflower, also called everlasting flower, was sacred to all the gods and ancient Greeks used dried strawflowers to decorate temples.
What does the story of Medusa teach us?
The Moral of the Story – The story of Perseus and Medusa is told to teach various life lessons. Perseus is cast out into the sea in a wooden chest with his unfaithful mother, yet they survive the rough seas by praying to Poseidon for the seas to be calm.
Once landing on the island of Serifos, Perseus grew into a strong man with noble character and great intelligence. As King Polydectes ordered the near-impossible task that Perseus bring him the head of Medusa, Perseus dedicated himself to fulfilling the demand to save his mother.
As the son of Zeus, Perseus had help from the gods during his journey to find Medusa. Perseus used these gifts to locate Medusa and behead her, but it was also his strength, courage, and intelligence that helped him succeed. His courage, strength, and intelligence was also the reason that Perseus saved Andromeda from the Cetus and returned home with her, slaying both Phineus and Polydectes with the head of Medusa by turning them into stone.
The story of Perseus and Medusa is a story of perseverance, bravery, and dignity. Perseus personifies the length one would go to in order to save the ones you love. Perseus shows the authenticity of his character when he rescues the helpless Andromeda from the Cetus and the attachment to the rock.
The bravery and courage of Perseus are shown as he beheads Medusa, as well as his defeat of Phineus and Polydectes..
What does it mean to be called Medusa?
(mɪˈdjuːzə ) noun. Greek mythology. a mortal woman who was transformed by Athena into one of the three Gorgons. Her appearance was so hideous that those who looked directly at her were turned to stone.
What is the cultural significance of Medusa?
Medusa in Modern Culture – In modern culture, Medusa is seen as a powerful symbol of female intelligence and wisdom, related to the goddess Metis, who was a wife of Zeus. The snake-like head is a symbol of her cunning, a perversion of the matrifocal ancient goddess who the Greeks must destroy.
What is Medusa’s personality?
Medusa represents alot of things. But she would mostly represent vainness women’s rage, or jealously. Vainness would mean meaningless, worthless, no value, or unsatisfying. Since Medusa was a woman she would mean women rage meaning violent uncontrolled anger because she would turn men to stone.
