Medusa ATC (Folklore ATC #8)

Are you a fan of folklore? Would you like to create (and receive) ATCs of creatures from folklore from around the world? Then welcome to the Folklore ATC series!

ATC #8 features Medusa! Medusa is probably the most widely requested creature I've encountered, though I debated including her because myths are a little specific compared to folk tales. Well, debate no more -- Medusa has arrived!

Medusa (AKA Gorgo) is one of three Gorgon sisters in Greek mythology, and the only one who is mortal. Typically, she is depicted as a woman with snakes for hair, whose eyes turned anyone who dared gaze into them into stone. Variations on the myth vary, though, and whether she was beautiful or hideous is anyone's guess. In some versions, she starts as a monster. In others, she is punished by Athena for having sex with (being raped by) Poseidon in her temple, which is how her hair becomes serpentine. She is then beheaded by Perseus, a man on a mission with tools like the mirrored stone-turning gaze aversion shield, who kills her in a plot to free his mother. When she is beheaded, she births Pegasus and... a giant with a sword? Sometimes I get really tired of doing these writeups. But her head is then used as a weapon, as it retains stone-turning powers.

The image of Medusa's head has been used as a talisman and as an apotropaic -- basically, a tool to ward away evil. But in modern times, Medusa often means more. She is seen as a powerful feminist symbol, an embodiment of feminine rage -- and in some readings of her story, a mortal victim who is punished for the sins of a god, or a woman who is punished for being powerful and having desire. There is as much that can be read into her story as time in the day. Perhaps that is why she is so enduring.

You may depict Medusa as a living creature or as just her head, alone or with other characters of Greek mythology. Just remember the snakes.

• Obligatory Wikipedia article for further reading

Swap rules!

• 1 ATC to one partner

• standard 2.5" x 3.5" size, use a sturdy backing, landscape or portrait are acceptable. On the back, write your name, date, and the name of the swap. Make sure you include your username somewhere in the package (on the back of the card is fine).

• ATC can be any medium, please just put in effort. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST. You just have to be willing to make art. The card you receive may reflect this.

• send the card in a protective sleeve -- you can buy trading card sleeves for cheap, or make one out of things like sticker cellophane, thin paper, etc. Make sure you have sufficient postage.

• open to newbies with full profiles, no unexplained 1's or 3's. Message me if you are unrated. I reserve the right to remove anyone for any reason, or to message you if I have any concern. This is not an insult to you, it is active hosting -- these swaps can get quite large, please respect my time & that I care enough to ask instead of just dropping people.

• rating is expected. 5 if it's done correctly and sent in a timely fashion, heart if you love it.

• I will angel, but please give 8 weeks after send date for your ATC to arrive!

Don't be shy to ask me anything you're unsure about. Also, feel free to leave suggestions for future subjects for the series in the comments.

Past Folklore Swaps

#1 - Baba Yaga

#2 - Yōkai

#3 - Gremlins

#4 - Shadow People

#5 - Banshee

#6 - Dragon

#7 - Anansi

Upcoming Folklore Swaps

#9 - The Monster of Lake Tota

#10 - Wendigo

While this ATC series will continue for the foreseeable future, join Monsters, Myths, & Legends -- US ATC Swappers! if you want more swaps, a wider array of subjects and themes, art challenges, and to get in on hosting! Plus forums with RAKs, games, and more! MM&L: we're not just ATCs, but SB won't let you change a group name!