Milana Kravets
PD#6
Modern Mythology Blog 2024
Literacy and Learning
During our exploration of transformation in lesson #25, our “Write now” prompt was to write about a way we have transformed. Originally, I approached this question by thinking about my life as a whole. I recollected significant events that have affected me, such as my transition from middle school to high school. However, looking back, I realized a transformation does not have to be something very intricate or grand, it could simply originate from occurrences in life that seemed trivial or inconsequential at first. As we wrap up the Greek Mythology Unit, I believe my experiences with it, in addition to the reading of Stone Blind, have remarkably transformed me, in a way I never thought it could. This transformation only took around two months, yet will have lifelong implications.
Throughout this unit, we analyzed the stories of Greek Mythology. I realized my hindsight of what defines a monster was essentially inaccurate. Growing up, I used to think that a monster was simply an evil person or a frightening creature, based on its appearance. With lesson #20, I was able to expand on my outlook by learning about the criteria of figurative monsters. Fundamentally, a monster was categorized by its incompleteness, formlessness, magnification, uncanniness, categorical interstitiality, and categorical contradictoriness. With this idea in mind, my class identified Medusa under the categorical interstitiality classification, since she has snakes for hair. On the other hand, the account of Stone Blind and the interview of Natalie Haynes led me to shift my perspective beyond the conventional narrative of Medusa. Even though she was embellished with gigantic snakes on her head, giving the impression that she was a monster, she was not a monster at heart.
As a child, the many tales I read about Medusa always depicted her as a villain, since she was a gorgon with the ability to turn people into stone with just her glance. However, I learned that she was, in fact, a victim, not a monster. She was sexually assaulted by Poseidon in Athena’s temple, which was neglected in many versions of Greek Mythology. Furthermore, the punishment she received for this, ultimately illustrates the gender inequality in Ancient Greek culture. My belief that she was a monstrous figure transformed. During this unit, I was also astonished to learn that even though she had the power to turn people to stone, she never used it maliciously. She killed no one.
Natalie Haynes’s interview helped me further empathize with Medusa. Her modern interpretation of Medusa’s story emphasized the injustice and trauma Medusa had really suffered from. Haynes had also specifically stated how Medusa should not be viewed as a monster, but instead as a sister and daughter. Not only was she a victim of rape, but she also endured a tragic ending. She was beheaded in her sleep by Perseus. Medusa’s sexual assault drives a parallel to today’s world, where many people are still not held accountable for their actions. Fortunately, over the years, active campaigns to reduce the incidences of assault have raised consciousness of gender-based concerns throughout the world. For instance, with the #MeToo movement, people are finally speaking up about their experiences with sexual assault and breaking their silence. As a female myself, I advocate for these topics to continue to be discussed, fostering awareness and taking a step toward proper change.
Going into this Greek Mythology unit, I never imagined how it could connect to me personally and with the current world around me, too. I have learned that even though the stories of Medusa in Greek Mythology have always been viewed in one negative way, Stone Blind has shown that differing interpretations can be made, in which there is not just one correct depiction. This newfound understanding can extend beyond mythology, in which I can approach future situations and problems with an open mindset and comprehension of the possibility of multiple interpretations.
