The History Behind Sicilian Medusa

If you have ever been to Sicily, you have probably seen a symbol of a female head with three intertwined legs on flags, souvenirs, or any other art piece. The representation is referred to as the symbol of Sicily. The symbol is the official logo of Sicily and has a deep history behind it. The head of the symbol is referred to as Medusa, a creature with a snakehead. Sicilian Medusa was a beautiful woman. When men looked at her, they would turn into a rock.

In the early years, the symbol would be placed behind the door of a home. It was believed that anyone with bad intentions for the family would be turned to stone by the Medusa. Medusa was the daughter of Ceto and Phorcys.it is believed that she died while in Sarpedon. She was killed by Perseus, who used her head as a weapon, then later gave it to Athena. The head still retained its ability to turn onlookers to stone.

In the fifth century, sculptors wound curve her as a beautiful and terrifying woman. Earlier myths refer her to be a beautiful woman who captured the attention of many suitors. Medusa served the goddess Athena, who was a virgin. Athena had wanted her to remain a virgin, to continue serving her. Medusa was then raped by Poseidon, a god, in Athena’s temple. Athena sided with Poseidon since he was a god. She decided to punish Medusa and changed her hair to snakes, and made her look terrifying that anyone who looked at her would turn into stone.

Ancient vases in Sicily have symbols of bent legs, which were curved by Spartan warriors on their shields to show strength.
In the 20th century, the appearance of Sicilian Medusa was incorporated in modern culture and literature. Some fashion companies used medusas symbol as their logo too. Her symbol has also been used by women to show female rage.

Sicilian Medusa has appeared in several pieces of art. The inclusion of her symbol in Sicily’s flag shows the protection of Athena. S The hair on the symbol is made of wheat stalks intertwined around a snake. Three legs are then attached to it, and they all face the same direction. They represent the three islands of Sicily: Lilibeo, Passero, and Peloro. The wheat represents the fertility of the area. Her symbol has also been included in several fiction pieces like movies, books, and video games.