Medusa

Monsters of Mythology

by Bernard Evslin

Recounts the story of the serpent-haired creature whose gaze turned people to stone, and the adventures of the hero who eventually vanquished her.

Genres: Mythology, Greek Mythology, Fantasy

Library Binding

First published February 1, 1987

About the author

Bernard Evslin was an author best known for his adaptations of Greek mythology. With over seventy titles, which include both novel-length retellings and short stories, Evslin is one of the most widely published authors of classical mythology in the world. His best-known work is Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, which has sold more than ten million copies worldwide and has been translated into ten different languages. An estimated 30 million students have come into contact with Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths due to its repeated use in high school and college classrooms over the years. This bestselling anthology includes such well-known stories as "Theseus and the Minotaur" and "Perseus and Medusa." He also published non-Hellenic titles such as The Green Hero, based on the Irish mythological character Finn McCool. He also was involved in an audio book called: "Children of the Corn." It included "Whistling Boy" a Native American tale; "Pancho's Puppets," a story about a boy in Mexico, and other stories.

Reviews

[Allison Heckethorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was wishing this would be a little more in-depth of the myth of Medusa, but it felt more like the story of Perseus only. It was easy to follow and understand, but still a bit disappointed.

[Dustincecil · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Evslin books are everything I want from mythology!

[Jonathan Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an attempt to slowly work my way back into reading on a regular basis, I've started by searching out the books that excited me when I was younger.

Evslin's series of mythological monsters really resonated with me when I was a kid, as they were about Greek monsters (which I loved) and we illustrated with pieces of classical art (which I also love). Medusa was a naturally jumping off point for my return to reading this series, as it was the first one I remember reading as a child, and is based around my favorite monster from mythology. The story really does a phenomenal job of focusing on the sadder aspects of her curse, which I always found more appealing, before venturing into the Perseus myth.

Long story short, as a child who grew up loving Clash of the Titans, this book was one of my favorites, and I'm so glad to revisit it.

[Alexis Lyons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would either dive into the myth of Medusa in a historical way or showcase the various recounting of her myth. I’m kind of disappointed that it took the route it did. I’ve never heard her story before told in this way. It makes me wonder: is this retelling based on oral stories or from reimagining from the author?

[lily reads and other things · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome. As I big fan if Greek myths I loved this book and I have always loved the story if Medusa.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun retelling of the myth. Evslin seems freer in this series to use artistic license than in his other works. The finished product is better for that.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I read this to satisfy a reading challenge. The art used in it was interesting as was this version of the myth of Medusa.

[Chase Froemke]

Medusa
Bernard Evslin
Word Count: 319
5-12-2016
Free Reading Review
An unlikely hero defeating a monster much more powerful than himself is the main theme of Medusa. A common theme in mythology that was also prevalent in this story is son overthrowing his powerful father and protecting his desperate mother. The moral of Medusa is shown near the end when Perseus throws his shield with Medusa's head in the water never to be seen again. Perseus is being humble because he knows his shield is too powerful and doesn't want it to fall into the wrong hands.
This story was accurate to what we learned in class about Perseus and Medusa. Perseus had to defeat Medusa, a once beautiful woman and now an ugly beast. Perseus rescues Andromeda from her father, King Joppa and turns the titan Atlas to stone, freeing the apple nymphs from his oversight. Perseus also visits the gorgons and the grey ones who are described similarly to how they were described in class.
Once Perseus defeated Medusa he traveled to the apple nymphs to dance all day and night since they helped him locate the gorgons. Perseus defeated the nymphs overseer, Atlas by turning him to stone creating the Atlas mountains as he holds up the western sky.
Perseus freed Andromeda who was being sacrificed by her father for forgiveness to Poseidon, Perseus used the head of Medusa to turn a sea beast to stone before it could devour Andromeda. Finally Perseus came home to overthrow his father and defeat his father's warriors. Perseus and his mother can now finally live in peace with Andromeda.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about Perseus and his adventures against Medusa, Atlas, King Joppa and his father. Medusa was a very informative and interesting book that I found easy to follow and understand. I learned a lot about mythology, heroes and monsters and this book kept me interested the entire time.