In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the god of the sea, is infamous for his affair with Medusa, a once-beautiful mortal woman who served as a priestess in Athena's temple. This illicit encounter occurred within the sacred space of Athena, inciting the goddess's wrath. In retaliation, Athena punished Medusa by transforming her hair into snakes and granting her the ability to turn anyone who gazed upon her into stone.

Medusa's transformation into a terrifying monster—characterized by her serpentine hair and petrifying gaze—was a direct consequence of Athena's curse, which stemmed from Medusa's pregnancy with Poseidon's child. This tragic narrative illustrates Medusa as a victim of divine retribution rather than a villain, as she was condemned for an act that was not entirely her fault. The myth serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and injustices woven into the fabric of Greek mythology, where gods often wield their power capriciously, leaving mortals to bear the brunt of their conflicts.