COVE

Before Bertha, lived Medusa. For generations, this mythical figure has been renowned as the epitome of monstrosity in greek mythology. Like many aspects of pop culture and literature, society has blindly excepted this interpretation without further investigation. Amongst Medusa’s abnormal physical characteristics and the consequences they bare, there lies an explanation for her condition. This explication has recently been emphasized as feminism has led us to reevaluate societal norms. As Medusa’s side of the narrative gets explored, her rape by Poseidon and her eventual curse by Athena are being taken into consideration. This alternate interpretation aligns with feminist goals of reclaiming the idea of the madwoman in an attempt to legitimize women’s emotions and feelings while at the same time, spreading information about mental health issues. A very popular cultural image of Medusa’s madness is now used to understand the complex emotions and experiences of women that might push them towards what mainstream media considers ‘madness’. Despite having snakes for hair, the Medusa depicted this image does not provoke fear. Here, Medusa is not presented as a monster, but as something we can all relate to: a human being subject to the human condition.