What was the purpose of medusa?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgon sisters and is often portrayed as a monster with snakes for hair, whose gaze could turn people to stone. Her purpose within the myths served multiple roles: as a symbol of danger and the unknown, a representation of female rage and empowerment, and a cautionary figure warning against hubris. Medusa's story also explores themes of transformation and punishment, as she was cursed by Athena, reflecting the complex interplay between beauty and monstrosity in myth. Ultimately, her narrative highlights the duality of fear and fascination that surrounds monstrous figures in folklore.