Was Medusa a victim or a villain?

Medusa can be seen as both a victim and a villain, depending on the interpretation of her story. Originally a beautiful maiden, she was cursed by Athena as punishment for being assaulted by Poseidon in her temple, turning her into a Gorgon with deadly powers. This transformation made her a figure of fear, often portrayed as a villain, yet her tragic backstory highlights her victimization and the injustice she suffered. Ultimately, Medusa embodies the complexities of victimhood and the consequences of power dynamics in mythology.