Why were the gorgons turned into monsters?

In Greek mythology, the Gorgons, particularly Medusa, were transformed into monsters as a punishment by the goddess Athena. Medusa was originally a beautiful maiden, but after being violated by Poseidon in Athena's temple, Athena punished her by turning her into a Gorgon, giving her snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looked at her into stone. This transformation served as a means of both punishment and protection, isolating Medusa from society as a monstrous figure.