Creating unique monsters that are symbolic in a philosophical/psychological way

Dearest Mothership · Jul 22, 2016

Dearest Mothership said: ↑

I once read somewhere that Medusa's decapitation is somehow related to castration. It's very Freudian in flavor. Further research strongly advised.
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To follow up:

The hair upon Medusa's head is frequently represented in works of art in the form of snakes. Freud considered that, as penis symbols derived from the pubic hair, they serve to mitigate the horror of the complex,[2] as a form of overcompensation.[3]

This sight of Medusa's head makes the spectator stiff with terror, turns him to stone. Observe that we have here once again the same origin from the castration complex and the same transformation of affect. In the original situation it offers consolation to the spectator: he is still in possession of a penis, and the stiffening reassures him of the fact.[4]

Medusa's head as symbol of horror was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena. Freud considered that as a result she became the unapproachable woman who repels all sexual desire by carrying (symbolically) the genitals of the mother.[5]

Freud argued further that, because displaying the genitals (male and female) can be an apotropaic act - one aimed at intimidating and driving off the spectator[6] - so too was the defensive use of Medusa's head in classical Greece. Representations of her head - the so-called Gorgoneion - were pervasive there, appearing on walls, gates, fortifications, armour, and personal amulets.[7]
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Medusa has also represented female rage among feminists. Nihilists liken Medusa to the sheer meaninglessness of the Universe, since men do all they can not to look at her.

Oscar Leigh · Jul 22, 2016

Dearest Mothership said: ↑

To follow up:

Medusa has also represented female rage among feminists. Nihilists liken Medusa to the sheer meaninglessness of the Universe, since men do all they can not to look at her.
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I think you're over analyzing a little there.

Dearest Mothership · Jul 22, 2016

Oscar Leigh said: ↑

I think you're over analyzing a little there.
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Not my analyses. Freud did most of the cooking, I'm just bringing it to the table.

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Creating unique monsters that are symbolic in a philosophical/psychological way

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Oscar Leigh Contributor Contributor

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Creating unique monsters that are symbolic in a philosophical/psychological way

Dearest Mothership Member

Oscar Leigh Contributor Contributor

Dearest Mothership Member

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