Medusa Amulet, Bronze

Medusa Amulet Pendant - Our Mini Phalera

Phalerae are round decorative discs with a profild pattern or depicting a god or a mythological creature. They were given to soldiers as military awards, known as Dona Militaria.

In our series of miniaturized Phalera pendants, the image of Medusa should not be missed. Who is not acquainted with the fearsome beast, whose magical look turns people and animals into stone? In ancient times, the effigy of the Medusa was popular as an amulet. Her image is called Gorgoneion. With a diameter of 25 mm, the piece, worn on a chain or a leather thong, is a wonderful lucky charm wich repels misfortune. The Medusa amulet is made from solid, genuine bronze and will be shipped with a certificate.

Medusa Amulet Pendant - The Legend

There are severel legends about the Gorgon Medusa and her origin. The classical Greek legend tells about a beautiful young woman, whose charm seduced even the sea god Poseidon.

The lovemaking of the couple, for which they fatally had chosen the temple of Athena on the Acropolis in Athens, was abruptly disrupted by the appearance of the angry goddess. Athena was so upset because of the desecration of her sanctuary that she finally turned the beauty in a creature of viciousness and ugliness.

Medusa cameo, pendant, 2nd-3rd century AD

Snakes grew out of her had instead of hair, a long tongue hang out of her mouth right between sharp teeth. She got wings, and her fearsome look turns everyone to stone, who dared to look right into her eyes. Together with the Gorgons, Stheno and Euryale, she spread fear and terror.
Polydektes,  King of Seriphos, meanwhile coveted the beautiful Danae and wanted to make her his wife. Danae got a son of Zeus before, the highest of the gods, and he procted his mother from the attempts of Polydektes´ rapprochement. Perseus was a demi-God, and the King devised a plan to get him out of his way.

With a trick, he persuaded Perseus to confront Medusa! After some adventures, he won a number of magical artifacts, like a cloak of invisibility and winged shoes. By Athena, he received a polished, shiny shield made of bronze and Hermes gave him a sickle studded with diamonds. 

Arrived at his destination, he discovered many animals and people who were previously been turned into stone by Medusa. When he finally sneaked up on the sleeping Medusa, he used the shield as a mirror, and beheaded the creature. He tucked her severed head in a sack, because even in death, the magic of Medusa was still effective.

The head of Medusa was used several times by Perseus to turn enemies to stone. Finally, he gave the trophy to Athena, and she attached Medusa's head at the frontside of her shield. 

Medusa Amulet Pendant - A Topic of Ancient  Art

The Gorgoneion, as the the image of the head of Medusa is called, is a popular motif in ancient art. In archaic times, the head of the Medusa is represented like a fearsome mask. The Gorgoneion decorated weapons, bricks, furniture or pottery and had a function as a powerful symbol of protection. The magical effect of Medusa´s head protected people, ships, houses and entire cities. From the 5th century BC, the hideous style was replaced by a more natural appearance. The facial features become increasingly human, tongue and teeth are no longer highlighted.

The head of Medusa was often used in military context. At the breastplate of Alexander the Great in the famous mosaic from Pompeii, it is visible as well as on ornamental discs (phalerae)which were awarded as decorations for deserved soldiers. Also, amulet pendants bearing the effigy of the Medusa are known. The image above shows emperor Hadrian with a breastplate, the style of Alexander, decorated with a Gorgoneion.

All pics: Wiki Commons