Medusa

Medusa is a famous figure from Greek Mythology who is recognized within the wizarding world as the most well-known of the Gorgons. A Gorgon is a monstrous female creature whose gaze can turn living beings to stone. While Medusa herself is never mentioned by name in the original seven novels, her existence and that of her species are confirmed in supplementary materials, and her legend shares strong thematic parallels with the Basilisk encountered by Harry Potter.

The history of Medusa within the wizarding world is understood to be identical to her story in Muggle Greek Mythology. She was one of three sisters, known as the Gorgons, and was unique among them for being mortal. According to legend, Medusa was a fearsome creature with a head of living, venomous snakes instead of hair. Her most terrifying and deadly power was her gaze; any person who looked directly into her eyes was instantly turned to stone, a form of irreversible Petrification. She was eventually slain by the Greek hero Perseus, who cleverly used the reflection in a mirrored shield to view and decapitate her without making direct eye contact. Even after her death, her severed head retained its power.

Medusa's appearance is defined by her monstrous features, most notably her hair, which consists of writhing, venomous snakes. She is depicted as a terrifying and deadly being, though no specific personality traits are detailed for her in any wizarding world source. Her reputation is based entirely on her monstrous nature and lethal abilities.

• Petrifying Gaze: Medusa's signature ability was the power to turn any living creature that looked directly upon her to stone. This is a powerful and permanent form of Dark magic, similar in effect to the lethal gaze of a Basilisk. Unlike the Basilisk of Hogwarts, whose indirect gaze merely petrified victims, it is believed Medusa's gaze was always fatal, transforming flesh to rock.
• Gorgon Physiology: As a Gorgon, her body possessed unique magical properties, including her snake-hair and presumably enhanced strength or durability.

Based on her mythological origins, Medusa's known relations are her two immortal Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale. Her primary adversary was the hero Perseus, who was tasked with killing her and successfully did so.

The name “Medusa” derives from the Ancient Greek word Μέδουσα (Medousa), which is often translated as “guardian” or “protectress.” This is likely an ironic name, given her monstrous and destructive nature in the myths.

• Canon Status: Medusa is not mentioned by name in the original seven Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. Her existence in the wizarding world is established through licensed media and official supplementary content.
• Video Games: In the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets video game (PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube versions), a large tapestry depicting Medusa hangs in the Slytherin Dungeon. If the player looks at it for too long, they are temporarily petrified and must break free.
• Wizarding World: The species of Gorgons is confirmed to exist in the magical world, with Medusa cited as the most famous example (Wizarding World).
• Thematic Parallels: Medusa's story shares significant parallels with the story of Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk. Both creatures have a lethal gaze that can petrify, and both are defeated by a young hero. Perseus used a mirrored shield to defeat Medusa, while Harry Potter used a hand mirror (belonging to Hermione Granger) to safely navigate the corners of the Chamber of Secrets and later used Fawkes's aid and the Sword of Gryffindor to defeat the serpent.