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Gorgoneion
(371 words)

[German version]

According to the myth, the G. is the head of the  Gorgo [1] Medusa killed by Perseus which could still turn people into stone after Medusa's death. Perseus finally handed it to Athena, who attached it to her  aegis . The significance of the G. as an object of representation, however, far exceeds the myth of Perseus and has complex older foundations. It belongs to the group of grotesque masks whose polyvalent functions go far beyond those of causing terror and deterring evil. Even though there are certain similarities, …

Cite this page
Schmidt, Peter L. (Constance), “Gorgoneion”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 01 October 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e426500>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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