GORGONEIA Meaning and
Definition
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Gorgoneia, also known as Gorgons, refers to a prominent motif in ancient Greek mythology and art that features the terrifying faces of female creatures. The term is derived from the Greek word 'gorgo' which means "dreadful" or "grim." Gorgoneia typically portray the heads of the Gorgons, monstrous and powerful creatures from Greek mythology.
In the mythology, the Gorgons were three sisters named Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, known for their hideous appearance and hair made of living snakes. They possessed the ability to turn anyone who looked directly into their eyes into stone. Gorgoneia were believed to serve as protective devices, warding off evil or other malevolent forces. They were often placed on shields, armor, temples, and buildings, acting as both decoration and a talisman against harm.
In terms of art, Gorgoneia were frequently portrayed with bulging eyes, wide mouths, sharp fangs, and writhing snakes instead of hair. Sometimes, they even had wings and tusks. These grotesque features aimed to invoke fear and awe in those who encountered them, emphasizing their supernatural and dangerous nature. Gorgoneia symbolize the clash between mortality and the divine, representing the boundary between life and death.
Today, Gorgoneia continue to be studied and interpreted as powerful and mysterious symbols, often associated with themes of protection, threat, and transformation. They serve as reminders of the rich mythological heritage of ancient Greece and the visual language employed by its artists.
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Masks carved in imitation of the Gorgons' heads, used as key-stones in arches.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GORGONEIA
- forgoneia
- vorgoneia
- borgoneia
- horgoneia
- yorgoneia
- torgoneia
- girgoneia
- gkrgoneia
- glrgoneia
- gprgoneia
- g0rgoneia
- g9rgoneia
- goegoneia
- godgoneia
- gofgoneia
- gotgoneia
- go5goneia
- go4goneia
- gorfoneia
Etymology of GORGONEIA
The word "Gorgoneia" is derived from the ancient Greek word "Gorgo" (Γοργώ), which means "dreadful" or "fierce". Gorgoneia is the plural form of Gorgo, referring to the heads of the mythical Gorgons - monstrous creatures from Greek mythology with hair of living snakes and the ability to turn those who looked at them into stone. These Gorgon heads were often used as protective symbols in ancient Greece, depicted on shields, armor, and architecture to ward off evil and enemies. The term Gorgoneia came to be used to describe any representation of these Gorgon heads, regardless of their function or context.
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