Why was Medusa mean?

Medusa is often portrayed as mean or monstrous due to the curse placed upon her by the goddess Athena. Originally a beautiful maiden, Medusa was transformed into a Gorgon as punishment for being violated by Poseidon in Athena's temple. This transformation made her hair turn into snakes and gave her the ability to turn anyone who looked at her into stone, leading to her fearsome reputation. Her perceived meanness is often a reflection of her tragic circumstances rather than inherent malice.