Medusa lives an idyllic life with her devoted sisters until Poseidon violates her and changes her life forever. With wit, beautiful narration, and unbelievable insight, Haynes crafted an unforgettable and remarkable story. However, Stone Blind completely changed my opinions on the greatly misunderstood Gorgon. I’ve never been a big fan of Medusa (mostly because in elementary school, a kid used to call me Medusa because of my hair).

It’s fair to say I’m a bit obsessed with Greek myth retellings, especially when told from the women’s perspective. Delving into the origins of this mythic tale, Haynes revitalizes and reconstructs Medusa’s story with her passion and fierce wit, offering a timely retelling of this classic myth that speaks to us today.ĭisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links. In Stone Blind, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes turns our understanding of this legendary myth on its head, bringing empathy and nuance to one of the earliest stories in which a woman–injured by a powerful man–is blamed, punished, and monstered for the assault.

Until Perseus embarks upon a fateful quest to fetch the head of a Gorgon. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Punished for Poseidon’s actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Furious by the violation of her sacred space, Athene takes revenge–on the young woman. When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene’s temple, the goddess is enraged. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.

Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Synopsis: They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster.

Stone blind book