Author Alice Abyss examines the connection between coral and Medousa, based on texts from Ovid and her own observations as a diver. There is a deep and mythic connection between the woman who turns life to stone and the coral which turns stone to life.
Greek GeoMythology
It is no secret that Greeks used mythology to explain the natural world. In Greek Mythology, Zeus shot lightning bolts down from the sky, springs came from the hoof of Pegasus, and constellations ‘walk on water’ when year-after-year they never dip below the horizon.
Ancient Greek were deeply connected to the lively seas surrounding their islands. From these seas sprang myths of Poseidon, whirlpools, and horses with mermaid’s tails. Greek culture assigned a meaning to each fish, just like they assigned meanings to each bird. You may find more information on this in the ancient text Oppian’s Halieutica.
In their intimate relationship with the sea, ancient Greeks must have been familiar with coral. In fact, they treasured it. Some people collected dry corals to pay tribute to Poseidon. If we could walk the streets of ancient Greece, we’d likely see coral ablutions at the feet of godly statues. Coral was also dried and powdered to be used as a medicine for blood and spleen disorders. Coral captured people’s interest, paid homage to the gods, and healed the sick but how did the Greeks explain coral sprouting from the sea floor?
The Story
The link between Medusa and the creation of coral seems to originate from Ovid’s Metamorhoses, though it could have been an oral story before Ovid’s account.
Perseus beheaded the snake-haired gorgon, then he flew with Herme’s winged sandals, and Medousa’s blood spilled into the Aegean Sea. When Medousa’s blood hit the saltwater, it hardened into coral.
It is interesting in the original myth that her blood hardened into coral, because many hard corals are bright red. The coral colony grows to resemble a petrified splash. In fact, Greece is known for its wide range of precious corals, which can be rosy pink to maroon. They retain their red coloration in death, making them popular for ceremonies, jewelry, and currency for centuries.
Coral as a Symbol of Petrification
That which is noteworthy is that which becomes a symbol in myth.
Many corals are hard to the touch, like a stone, which is why Ovid or others may have been inspired to associate it with Medousa. Imagine, what other animal in the our kingdom could be a better representation of life turned to stone?
Petrification in mythology all stems from Medousa. After her blood spilled, created coral, and she became a legend, other mythical creatures adopted Medusa's skills. Both cockatrix and basilisk are known for their ability to turn their opponents to stone. It's also interesting that the basilisk, like Medusa, is closely related to water.
Meaning of the Medusa Myth
Any way you spin it, Medusa was tied to the ocean. She originated from Phorcys and Ceto. Sometimes in lore she appeared as a monster, but other times she appeared as a girl. Some say she was scorned by Poseidon. Others wrote Poseidon seduced Medusa in a field of flowers. Through love or hate, Medusa was bound to water. It was only natural for Medusa’s blood to drip into the sea, like it was going home.
Stories written in the stars serve a purpose: to explain natural wonders and catastrophe. A story stands the test of time when it means something and is worth communicating to the next generation.
Coral was and is today an important part of Greek culture. Thus, the stories of its formation, fizzling and hardening from the neck of a slain snake-headed gorgon, has truly stood the test of time.
Modern Interpretation
Here I must mention my own novel ‘Pharmakides’. This fantasy retelling presents Poseidon as I have understood him: as a force of nature.
I researched this topic extensively while writing my debut fantasy novel. It stands out in the genre, because it focuses on geomythology and questioning narratives. Readers will find adequate symbolism and action to express the role of coral and its origins in the ancient stories. Medousa’s relationship between seas and stones evolves over the narrative, culminating into the creation of coral with a twist on Ovid’s original.
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💕xoxo Alice Abyss, author of 'Pharmakides'
 Wishing you magic-filled days ahead,
Alice Abyss
Author
