Gorgon

Gorgōn u. Gorgona, s. 1. Gorgō.

GORGON

GORGONor URGO(Γοργόνη, Ptol. 3.1.78: Gorgona), a small island in the Tyrrhenian sea, between the coast of Etruria and Corsica, and distant about 20 miles from the mainland. Its name is written Urgo by .Pliny and Mela; but Rutilius, who describes it in his poetical itinerary, calls it Gorgon, and this form is confirmed by the authority of Ptolemy (l. c.), as well as by its modern name of Gorgona. (Plin. Nat. 3.6. s. 12; Mel. 2.7.19; Rutil. Itin. 1.515.) It is a small island, only about 8 miles in circumference, but elevated and rocky, rising abruptly out of the sea, which renders it a conspicuous object from a distance. Between it and the port of Livornois the islet of Meloria, a mere rock, which is supposed to be the Maenaria of Pliny.

[E.H.B]

Gorgon Gorgon's head

• brought from Libya by Perseus: Hdt. 2.91
• Perseus sent to fetch the head of the: Apollod. 2.4.1
• beheaded by Perseus: Apollod. 2.4.2
• Pegasus and Chrysaor spring from her trunk: Apollod. 2.4.2
• her head turns to stone those against whom it is directed: Apollod. 2.4.3
• it is given to Athena, who puts it in her shield: Apollod. 2.4.3, Paus. 5.12.4
• said to have rivalled Athena: Apollod. 2.4.3
• hair of the lock of the, can turn enemies to flight: Apollod. 2.7.3
• blood of the, used by Aesculapius to kill or give life: Apollod. 3.10.3(See Medusa)
• head of Gorgon Medusa turns Iodama to stone: Paus. 9.34.2
• gilt head of Gorgon Medusa on wall: Paus. 1.21.3
• Gorgon Medusa wrought on shield: Paus. 5.10.4

• Medusa

Gorgon Gorgons Gorgon, the Gorgons

• offspring of Phorcus and Ceto: Apollod. 1.2.6
• sisters of the Phorcides: Apollod. 2.4.1
• described: Apollod. 2.4.2
• visited by Perseus: Apollod. 2.4.2, Apollod. 2.4.2