The Story Of Medusa And Athena | A Greek Legend | LD English Course Book Grade 4 | Periwinkle

The story of Medusa and Athena A long time ago, there was a young maiden named Medusa. She lived in a place called Athens in Greece. Medusa was very proud of her beauty and posted about it to everyone around her. One day she would brag about her beautiful skin which was as fair as milk. Another day about her flowing hair. And yet another day about her pretty green eyes and red lips. She would not miss any chance to admire herself while she brushed her hair or when she passed the bedroom window or when she drew water for her father's horses. She would always daydream and all her chores would be forgotten. People around her were tired of her boastful nature and gave her the cold shoulder. One day she paid a visit to the Parthenon with her friends. The Parthenon was the largest temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. People were grateful to goddess Athena for inspiring them and watching over Athens. Everyone except Medusa was awed by the beauty of the temple and the amazing sculptures and paintings that decorated it. Medusa thought she would have made a better subject for the sculptor than goddess Athena. When Medusa passed the hallway and reached the altar, she sighed and said, It is a beautiful temple. It is a shame it was wasted on goddess Athena for I am much prettier than she is. Perhaps someday people will build a grander temple to my beauty. Medusa's friends grew pale and the priestesses gasped when they heard her. People began to leave the temple as they feared what might happen if the goddess had overheard Medusa's rash remarks. All this while Medusa was busy gazing proudly at her reflection in the large bronze doors. Suddenly her reflection wavered and the face of goddess Athena appeared in front of her. Goddess Athena said angrily, You foolish girl! You think you are prettier than I am? I doubt it and even if it were, there is more to life than beauty alone. While others work, play and learn, you do nothing but boast and admire yourself. You should have your heart in the right place. But my beauty is an inspiration to others and I make their lives better by simply looking lovely, justified Medusa. Goddess Athena silenced her with a frustrated wave. Nonsense! retorted goddess Athena. Beauty does not comfort the sick. Teach the unskilled or feed the hungry. And by my power, your beauty shall be stripped away completely. This will be a reminder for others to control their pride. As soon as goddess Athena had uttered these words, Medusa's face changed to that of a hideous monster. Her hair twisted and thickened to horrible snakes that hissed and fought with each other atop her head. Medusa, this is the result of your pride. Your face is so terrible that any man who sees you shall turn into stone. Proclaimed goddess Athena. Even you shall turn into stone if you see your reflection. And with that, goddess Athena left. Leaving Medusa weeping and in shock. A Greek legend.