The only mortal Gorgon, Medusa wasn’t your average mythological creature. Sure, her gaze could turn you to stone faster than you can say “mythology,” but there’s more to her than meets the petrified eye. Those snakes? Symbols of wisdom and earthly energy (or maybe just a bad perm). Her severed head? Became a shield. Talk about a fierce fashion statement! Even after being slain, her legacy lives on—her blood spawned Pegasus, the flying horse. Moral of the story? Don't judge a Gorgon by her hair.