Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːɡənz] (IPA) 
The word "gorgons" is spelled /ˈɡɔːɡənz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "g" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, while "or" is a single vowel sound pronounced like "aw". The "g" in the middle of the word is silent, and the "o" is a short vowel sound, like "oh". The final "ns" is pronounced like the "ns" in "dance". Overall, the spelling of "gorgons" reflects its Greek origin and the unique sounds of the English language.
Gorgons are mythical creatures originating from Greek mythology. These female creatures are typically depicted as terrifying, snake-haired beings with the power to turn those who gaze upon them into stone. The term "gorgon" is often used to describe not only the individuals named Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale but also their kind collectively.
In Greek mythology, the gorgons were born as the children of Phorcys and Ceto, two primordial sea deities. Medusa, the most well-known gorgon, possessed wings and a head full of writhing, venomous snakes. She was once a beautiful maiden until she incurred the wrath of the goddess Athena, who transformed her into a monster as punishment for desecrating her temple. Stheno and Euryale, Medusa's sisters, were also gorgons but lacked Medusa's ability to turn people into stone.
The gorgons were feared and considered hideous, with their grotesque appearance and deadly gaze. Their monstrous features, especially Medusa's petrifying ability, have made them iconic figures in popular culture. Gorgons serve as cautionary figures, representing the dangers of hubris and the consequences of angering the gods.
In contemporary usage, the term "gorgon" may also refer metaphorically to a person, particularly a woman, who is intimidating, fierce, or who possesses a captivating yet formidable presence.
The word "gorgons" has its etymology in Greek mythology. In Greek, the term "gorgos" means "dreadful" or "terrible", which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʰer-, meaning "to grimace" or "to scream". The mythical creatures known as the Gorgons were three sisters named Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa. They were depicted as monstrous creatures with snakes for hair, bronze hands, wings, and the ability to turn people to stone with their gaze. The word "gorgons" became synonymous with these terrifying creatures, and it has since been used to describe anything frightful or menacing.
