GORGON Meaning and
Definition
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A gorgon refers to a mythical creature from Greek mythology, described as a female monster with snake hair and a terrifying glare that could turn any onlooker into stone. The term originates from the ancient Greek word "gorgos," meaning "dreadful" or "terrible." Gorgons are typically depicted as winged beings with serpents for hair and golden scales covering their bodies. Their most infamous representative is Medusa, who is the most well-known gorgon in Greek mythology.
The concept of the gorgon embodies fear and dread, symbolizing the power of destruction and the potential consequences of looking upon something too terrifying. Ancient Greeks believed that the gorgon's gaze could instantly petrify or kill anyone who locked eyes with it, highlighting the monstrous and deadly nature of these creatures. The gorgon's appearance and abilities play a significant role in various myths and stories, often serving as a villainous character or an obstacle for heroes to overcome.
Beyond mythology, the term "gorgon" can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that possesses an intimidating or horrifying nature. It may connote a particularly stern or forbidding individual, whose gaze, figuratively, invokes a sense of fear or vulnerability in others. In literary or artistic contexts, the term may allude to the transformative power of art or literature itself, capable of captivating or astounding audiences to the point of being figuratively "frozen in place."
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Anything very horrid or ugly; in Gr. myth., one of the three sister-deities Stheno, Medusa, and Euryale, said to be of such terrible aspect as to turn the beholder into stone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of GORGON
The word "gorgon" comes from ancient Greek. Specifically, it is derived from the Greek word "gorgós", which translates to "terrible", "dreadful", or "fierce". In Greek mythology, the Gorgons were a group of female creatures who were typically depicted as fearsome, monstrous beings with snakes for hair. These creatures, particularly Medusa, the most famous Gorgon, were known for turning anyone who looked directly into their eyes into stone. The term "gorgon" has since been adopted in various contexts to describe something terrifying or repellent.
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