History Main / Medusa

* In Franchise/TheHauntedMansion, one of the CreepyChangingPaintings features Medusa turning into a Gorgon with a flash of lightning.

* ''VideoGame/DefenseOfTheAncients'' features Medusa as one of the Scourge/Dire Heroes you can pick. She's a marksman and for quite some time, her ultimate is just a slowing effect. Eventually, it got reworked it into an actual petrification: face her while the ultimate is active and you will turn to stone.

* ''Manga/DropkickOnMyDevil'': One of the characters is gorgan devil named Medusa, appropriate enough, though is oddly more decked out in Egyptian wear than Greek related and doesn't have the snake hair. However she can still (temporarily) turn humans to stone if she gazes at them. Why? ''Because she's too adorable!''

* ''Manga/DropkickOnMyDevil'': One of the characters is named Medusa though is oddly more decked out in Egyptian wear than Greek related and doesn't have the snake hair. However she can still (temporarily) turn humans to stone if she gazes at them. Why? ''Because she's too adorable!''.

* Medusa from ''Manga/SoulEater'' is a witch with a pronounced snake theme (including having magical snakes stored in her body and a snake-like "vector arrow" attack). Even though she still looks "human" she still [[AnimalMotifs strongly resembles a snake]].

* A gorgon joins the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork in the {{Literature/Discworld}} book ''Discworld/UnseenAcademicals''. She wears sunglasses to avoid turning people to stone when she shouldn't. (In an earlier book, Vimes is very pissed off about citizens interfering with his job by [[FantasticRacism demanding certain kinds of people not be let into the Watch]] and he says that at this point he'd hire a gorgon. [[BrickJoke Guess what]].)
** Previous throwaway mentions: A cross-eyed gorgon with a stone nose was mentioned by one of the monster hunters in ''Discworld/GuardsGuards''. According to ''Discworld/SoulMusic'' Medusa didn't just have snakes on her head: "Underarm hair is even more embarrassing when it keeps biting the deodorant bottle". (The ''Discworld Quizbook'' by Creator/DavidLangford [[{{Squick}} advises against]] [[VaginaDentata extrapolating further]].)

* In ''GO-GO Anime/{{Tamagotchi}}!'' episode 23b, Mametchi and his gang are searching their school for ghosts to capture and think they have encountered Medusatchi, a Tamagotchi version of Medusa. They all worry as they think they're about to be TakenForGranite... [[spoiler:except it's just a mummy-like Tamagotchi rather than Medusatchi]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Hades}}''. The heads of dead gorgons persist in the Underworld, haunting the Fields of Asphodel where Zagreus may occasionally encounter them as an enemy. They hover over the river Phlegiston, and launch projectiles that petrify Zagreus on hit. Nyx also employs a much friendlier gorgon head, called Dusa, as a maid[[note]]in other words, ''[[PunnyName maid-dusa]]''[[/note]] in the House of Hades, who can be interacted with between runs.

* Webcomic/LastRes0rt: Kendril are an alien race who probably inspired myths of Gorgons, though unlike many examples their petrification attack isn’t projected from their eyes, but their [[http://www.lastres0rt.com/comic/hes-not-half-assed-just-four-sevenths/ split-mandibled mouth]], which is usually covered by a mask or veil in mixed company.

* In ''GO-GO Anime/Tamagotchi!'' episode 23b, Mametchi and his gang are searching their school for ghosts to capture and think they have encountered Medusatchi, a Tamagotchi version of Medusa. They all worry as they think they're about to be TakenForGranite... [[spoiler:except it's just a mummy-like Tamagotchi rather than Medusatchi]].

* ''Film/ClashOfTheTitans1981'' included Medusa as an obstacle for Perseus to overcome - cutting off her head so he can use it to petrify the sea monster who will eat Andromeda. She's made even more monstrous than usual - with a rattlesnake tail that she uses to [[HellIsThatNoise scare people when she's off screen]]. She also becomes an AdaptationalBadass who is pretty nifty with a bow and arrow, hunting down Perseus's comrades one by one. As noted above, this portrayal [[ColbertBump brought Medusa into to pop culture]], in no small part thanks to the ''staggering'' [[SugarWiki/VisualEffectsOfAwesome special effects]] legendary creator Creator/RayHarryhausen used to bring her to life.

* ''Film/ClashOfTheTitans1981'' included Medusa as an obstacle for Perseus to overcome - cutting off her head so he can use it to petrify the sea monster who will eat Andromeda. She's made even more monstrous than usual - with a rattlesnake tail that she uses to [[HellIsThatNoise scare people when she's off screen]]. She also becomes an AdaptationalBadass who is pretty nifty with a bow and arrow, hunting down Perseus's comrades one by one. As noted above, this portrayal [[ColbertBump brought Medusa into to pop culture]].

* ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' features the actual Medusa (or, more precisely, her Heroic Spirit, i.e. superpowered ghost) as the Servant [[spoiler:Rider]], under the backstory of having been born as an incomplete goddess that was mocked and cursed. While her eyes still turn people into stone, her "snake hair" is explained to be a negative exaggeration of her [[RapunzelHair really long and luxurious hair]]...however, it turns out it would be more accurate to call this Medusa as the one ''before'' she became a monster. She also has the ability to summon her son Pegasus as a mount. One summonable version of her in ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'' (specifically summoning her as the Gorgon of legend) ''does'' have the snakes for hair (more accurately, "hair feelers" with snake head-shaped ends) and all versions of her can apparently shift to [[SuperPoweredEvilSide the monster she eventually became at the end of her life at the cost of her sanity]], which can only be described as a [[EldritchAbomination giant monster made of snakes that can shoot lasers from its single eye]]. A third summonable version appears in the form of a child that represents her time as a goddess, wielding the weapon that in myth was used by Perseus to decapitate her.

* ''WesternAnimation/WonderWomanBloodLines'': A Medusa that is a mix of the two from ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'' is the film's most deadly villain.

Originally a character in Myth/ClassicalMythology, Medusa has taken a life of her own, and now exists in all kinds of fantasy — sometimes as a person, [[AKindOfOne sometimes as an entire species]]. Medusa's main characteristics are snakes for hair and that people [[TakenForGranite turn to stone]] just by [[DeadlyGaze seeing her face]]. So [[TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou don't look at that illustration]]. [[note]][[DependingOnTheWriter All bets are off]], though, if she is of the GorgeousGorgon resp. CuteMonsterGirl variety. Her petrification powers then may be still present, totally absent, voluntary or, eh, [[{{Hentai}} body part specific.]] [[/note]]

In almost all versions, Medusa is humanoid(though A snake tail is optional) and AlwaysFemale. In some versions, her hair-snakes are venomous. In others, they are not literal snakes but rather hair that supernaturally behaves as if it were made of living snakes. When a version contain a male Medusa, it's usually some [[DistaffCounterpart Spear Counterpart]] with some other name. Medusa's appearance varies depending on what source you're reading. The most popular is that of a hideous monster; in fact, the petrification originally was caused by Medusa's ugliness itself, before other myths retconned it into being a power based in her eyes. Other myths say that Medusa retained her mortal beauty, as a cruel {{Irony}}. And then there are some that offer a compromise and state that she was both beautiful ''and'' terrible at the same time.

The oldest story known to feature Medusa is the adventures of Perseus. In this story she is a boss monster whom Perseus defeats by decapitating her (and later using her head to petrify enemies) without looking at her — he sticks to looking at her shadow or looking through a mirrored shield, depending on the version.

The other origin is that Medusa was a virgin priestess of Athena, but her incredible beauty attracted the attentions of the god Poseidon. Depending on the version of the story, she either reciprocated, and (with a little help from her sisters) let Poseidon into Athena's temple and slept with him on the altar, or [[DoubleStandardRapeDivineOnMortal was simply raped by the god]]. In both versions, Athena, pissed that her priestess not only broke her vows but did the nasty in her temple, punished her by turning her into her new hideous form and banished her to a desolate island until Perseus slew her.

Medusa's popularity is somewhat NewerThanTheyThink. She doesn't appear that often in media made before the 80s. ''Film/ClashOfTheTitans1981'' (mentioned below) featured her as one of the monsters - and it has been said that modern generations owe their knowledge of Medusa to the film.

* A slightly different version of the second origin is that Medusa was willingly seduced by Poseidon rather than raped. In some versions, we'll never know if it was consensual. The ancient Greeks (and a number of modern cultures) define rape as having sex with a woman against the wishes of her patron - either her husband, her father, or in this case, Athena. The woman's decision is entirely inconsequential.

* One of the ''Toys/MonsterHigh'' characters is a son of Medusa, Deuce Gorgon. He has a snake mohawk and normally wears sunglasses to protect his friends from his petrifying gaze (which wears off after 24 hours). He also has a cousin, Viperine (Stheno's daughter), who has (mostly) normal hair and lacks the ability to petrify people.
* Medusa is part of the ''VideoGame/MonsterInMyPocket'' toy line and also appears in the LicensedGame. She is the boss of the fifth level with four other copies in a DoppelgangerSpin and returns in the BossRush.

* ''VideoGame/KingsQuestIIIToHeirIsHuman'' features a Medusa antagonist in the desert. The hero needs a mirror to defeat her. He also needs to face away from her, or else he's petrified instantly. If he has the mirror and the player types "use mirror" fast enough, the Medusa will see herself and be turned to stone. If he doesn't have it, or doesn't use it quickly enough, she will catch up and force him to look at her.
** The AGD FanRemake added a new wrinkle. She is in a cave instead of the open desert, and there is more than one way to solve the puzzle - the traditional mirror, or a test of character.

* ''{{Franchise/Castlevania}}'':

* Medusa appears as a lower-level boss in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII''.
** She is also a mid-level boss in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyMysticQuest''.
*** Medusas also appear as mooks in many of the other games; particularly the earlier ones.

* Medusa is a boss in ''VideoGame/NetHack''.
* Medusa, the Goddess of Darkness in opposition to BigGood [[GodOfGood Palutena]], is the BigBad in ''VideoGame/KidIcarus'' and ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising''. [[spoiler:Well, at least for the first part of the latter game.]]
* Medusa is one of the Gorgon Sisters that Davey must defeat in one Ancient Greece stage of the NES game ''VideoGame/DayDreaminDavey''.
* Medusa is the boss form of the Gorgon enemy in ''VideoGame/DesktopDungeons''.

* In ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'', choosing to worship Hera when you advance to the Mythic Age lets you train Medusae at your temple. Yes, Medusae, [[AKindOfOne plural]]. As expected, their special ability lets them turn one enemy unit into stone (except Siege Weapons and Heroes). Their scientific name is ''Gorgon chrysaorus'' (while the genus is obvious, the species derivates from Chrysaor, her son with Poseidon).
** Also, Hades players can get Perseus as a hero in the Mythic age. He carries a Medusa head that he similarly uses to petrify enemy units.

In almost all versions, Medusa is fully humanoid and AlwaysFemale. (A snake tail is optional.) In some versions, her hair-snakes are venomous. In others, they are not literal snakes but rather hair that supernaturally behaves as if it were made of living snakes. When a version contain a male Medusa, it's usually some [[DistaffCounterpart Spear Counterpart]] with some other name. Medusa's appearance varies depending on what source you're reading. The most popular is that of a hideous monster; in fact, the petrification originally was caused by Medusa's ugliness itself, before other myths retconned it into being a power based in her eyes. Other myths say that Medusa retained her mortal beauty, as a cruel {{Irony}}. And then there are some that offer a compromise and state that she was both beautiful ''and'' terrible at the same time.

* Medusa shows up in the first ''VideoGame/GodOfWarI''. Her sister Euryale was also a boss in the [[VideoGame/GodOfWarII second game]]. In both games, Kratos chops off their heads and uses them as weapons to petrify enemies.

* In ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'', choosing to worship Hera when you advance to the Mythic Age lets you train Medusae at your temple. Yes, Medusae, [[AKindOfOne plural]]. As expected, their special ability lets them turn one enemy unit into stone (except Seige Weapons and Heroes). Their scientific name is ''Gorgon chrysaorus'' (while the genus is obvious, the species derivates from Chrysaor, her son with Poseidon).
** Also, Hades players can get Perseus as a hero in the Mythic age. He carries a Medusa head he similarily uses to petrify enemy units.

* Medusa is playable in ''VideoGame/{{Smite}}'' and for once, able to go toe to toe against the ones who caused her misery: Poseidon and ''especially'' Athena. She's not a Goddess, but gets the pass for being one of the more famous monsters in mythology (when they have already included monsters like Scylla or Demigods like Hercules)

* Medusa shows up in the first ''VideoGame/GodOfWar''. Her sister Euryale was also a boss in the second game. In both games, Kratos chops off their heads and uses them as weapons to petrify enemies.

The Gorgon sisters as a whole are the TropeNamer to GorgeousGorgon. Some of the Gorgons' depictions make them SnakePeople.

* ''Franchise/MastersOfTheUniverse'' featured a male medusa-like character with snakes popping out of his eyes rather than hair. The main power, turning people to stone, was the same.

* Averted in ''[[https://youtu.be/BNk_6Vbr4P8?t=5m59s Long Live Perseus!]]'', a short from the Soviet/Russian animated anthology series ''Happy Merry-Go-Round''. People describe Medusa as an evil flying medusa-like (we mean, [[Main/VisualPun jellyfish-like]]), but in fact it's an [[Main/FlyingSaucer UFO]].

** In 2nd edition, Medusas are a race that resemble elven maidens with serpents for hair and the ability to petrify with their gaze, even affecting creatures on the Ethereal or Astral Planes (into which they can see). Approximately 10% of the females are "Greater Medusae", who have super-toxic blood and [[SnakePeople a giant snake's body in lieu of humanoid legs]]. There are also male Medusae, called Maedar, who appear as [[BizarreSexualDimorphism bald muscular elven men]]. Maedar are ridiculously rare; whereas female Medusae produce 2-6 Medusa daughters by [[InterspeciesRomance mating with human men]], the result of a Medusa/Maedar coupling is 2-6 offspring, with 25% being male and the remaining 75% being female. Only ''1%'' of the males are Maedar; the rest of them, and ''all'' of the females, are pure human. In addition to lacking the hair-snakes, Maedar have no petrifying gaze; instead, they are immune to petrification, paralyzation and Medusa venom, can walk through stone, and can undo petrification with a touch.

* Since she is part of the toy line, Medusa appears in the LicensedGame of ''VideoGame/MonsterInMyPocket''. She is the boss of the fifth level with four other copies in a DoppelgangerSpin and returns in the BossRush.

* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}'', Medusa was TheWoobie, who makes a [[DealWithTheDevil deal with Hades]] to make herself look like a regular girl.

Originally a character in Myth/ClassicalMythology, Medusa has taken a life of her own, and now exists in all kinds of fantasy — sometimes as a person, [[AKindOfOne sometimes as an entire species]]. Medusa's main characteristics are snakes for hair and that people [[TakenForGranite turn to stone]] just by [[DeadlyGaze seeing her face]]. So [[TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou don't look at that illustration]].

In almost all versions, Medusa is fully humanoid and AlwaysFemale. In some versions, her hair-snakes are venomous. In others, they are not literal snakes but rather hair that supernaturally behaves as if it were made of living snakes. When a version contain a male Medusa, it's usually some [[DistaffCounterpart Spear Counterpart]] with some other name. Medusa's appearance varies depending on what source you're reading. The most popular is that of a hideous monster; in fact, the petrification originally was caused by Medusa's ugliness itself, before other myths retconned it into being a power based in her eyes. Other myths say that Medusa retained her mortal beauty, as a cruel {{Irony}}. And then there are some that offer a compromise and state that she was both beautiful ''and'' terrible at the same time.

The other origin is that Medusa was a virgin priestess of Athena, but her incredibly beauty attracted the attentions of the god Poseidon. Depending on the version of the story, she either reciprocated, and (with a little help from her sisters) let Poseidon into Athena's temple and slept with him on the altar, or [[DoubleStandardRapeDivineOnMortal was simply raped by the god]]. In both versions, Athena, pissed that her priestess not only broke her vows but did the nasty in her temple, punished her by turning her into her new hideous form and banished her to a desolate island until Perseus slew her.

The Gorgon sisters as a whole are the trope namer to GorgeousGorgon. Some of the Gorgons' depictions make them SnakePeople.

* The title character from ''Webcomic/ModestMedusa'' is a friendly medusa child named Modest, and is a member of a race of Medusas. Her gaze does not petrify, the venom of her snake hair does. [[spoiler:It is eventually revealed that Medusas are the larval form of hydras. Over time, as the snake hair grows larger, the human parts will eventually shrivel up and die, leaving only the snake heads attached to a snake body. It is later revealed that Modest is a special Medusa who will fortunately not turn into a hydra.]]]