The Medusa tattoo meaning and the different variations you can ink on your skin
Medusa tattoos are a century-old form of self-expression inscribed through body art. The print has a long history, dating back to Greek mythology, where it originated. Recently, the pattern has been popular and is a fashion statement among the youth. So does the body print have any significance? What is the Medusa tattoo meaning?
Source: Instagram
What is the story behind Medusa? According to Greek legend, Medusa was a beautiful priestess serving in Athena's temple. When Athena's husband Poseidon laid his eyes on her, he was enchanted. He advanced and s*xually assaulted her.
After finding out, Athena punished Medusa by transforming her into a hideous hag. She changed her hair into writhing snakes and her skin into a greenish colour. The curse also turned anyone who locked eyes with her into stone.
Medusa tattoo meaning
What is the meaning of the Medusa tattoo? The tattoo can represent various things, but it is most commonly associated with survival, strength, and triumph over adversity. She has become a protection figure for women who have been targets of sexual aggression or other forms of assault.
The tattoo depicting a Gorgon with venomous snakes for hair is synonymous with Medusa. So if you want a drawing of the priestess, combining it with elements like skulls or roses will yield the best results. Here are 15 fantastic variations you can try today.
1. The plain Gorgon head
Source: Instagram
The basic Gorgon head tattoo is among female deep, meaningful tattoos. This iconic design depicts only the Gorgon's head with the snakes. It represents strength, femininity and transformation. You can also wear the print as a protective symbol to ward off evil spirits because of its ability to turn enemies into stone.
2. The realistic print
Source: Instagram
If you are looking for deep, meaningful tattoo symbols, then the authentic representation of the priestess is perfect. It is a lifelike representation of Medusa, with a fierce expression with snakes for hair. It represents power, bravery, and strength.
3. Simple and detailed
Source: Instagram
This tattoo depicts Medusa from the front, emphasising her beautiful features and serpentine hair. It represents feminine power and beauty. The olive branch on the neck is gorgeous attention to detail. The drawing serves as a reminder to remain alert and focused while remaining graceful and powerful.
4. Complex Gorgon's head with flowers
Source: Twitter
A Medusa tattoo with roses/flowers symbolises love, beauty, and power. Roses are commonly associated with love, while Gorgon's head represents strength and power.
The meaning behind the print can be complex as it can also represent transformation, resilience, and triumph over adversity. This depiction is perfect if you were looking for a Medusa tattoo with meaning for females.
5. Versace design
Source: Instagram
Versace Medusa tattoos typically feature the iconic Gorgon head logo in an amulet. It is associated with luxury, style, and sophistication. This tattoo is associated with protection, wealth, power, and high fashion.
You can choose various kinds, including a traditional black-and-white print or a more colourful and intricate design with additional embellishments.
6. Black and white Gorgon's head
Source: Instagram
The black and white drawing is a simple miniature depiction of the mythical Gorgon head. This design is simple and minimalistic, symbolising power, simplicity, and femininity. This simple representation is a perfect example if you are looking for the meaning behind Medusa tattoos.
7. Custom Gorgon design
Source: Instagram
Creativity is at the centre of this excellent piece. The artist has partially morphed Medusa, with parts of her face still beautiful. Also, the hair is somewhat changed. This design is ideal when signifying transition, change and adaptation.
8. The forked tongue
Source: Instagram
Medusa, with a snake tongue protruding, represents the power of communication and the ability to use words to defend or attack one's enemies. The snake tongue symbolises shedding old skin and embracing one's new identity, as snakes do when they shed their skin. The design represents transformation and renewal.
9. Perseus with the head of Medusa
Source: Instagram
This iconic design depicts Perseus holding the decapitated head of Medusa. This tattoo symbolises winning your battles or conquering your fears. Because Medusa was hard to kill, it took the hand of a mighty warrior to complete the deed.
10. Humane Gorgon
Source: Instagram
This variation depicts the priestess more humanely. The depiction focuses on her vulnerability as a human, one that was taken advantage of by Poseidon, the god of the seas and the water. The humane description symbolises vulnerability, compassion and empathy.
11. Fierce Gorgon hand tattoo
Source: Instagram
Hand tattoos are among the most symbolic designs available. Because the hand is evident, hand tattoos capitalise on visual impact. Inking, on the hand, is intended to draw attention and impress.
12. Half skull
Source: Instagram
Most people believe tattoos are complete only when skulls are drawn. If you are such a believer, then the half-skull design will make you go crazy. It is a beautiful concept signifying defiance and the will to live.
13. Roses on the thigh
Source: Instagram
This design applies to women. It depicts the priestess in rose flowers. But don't be fooled; roses have thorns too! The design symbolises beauty, deceit and danger.
14. Japanese anime-styled
Source: Instagram
If you want a unique and playful design, then the anime-styled design is perfect. Medusa is drawn in Japanese cartoon-style art. The design signifies beauty and strength in times of adversity.
15. Traditional lady head
Source: Instagram
Tattoos with a lady's head are frequently associated with beauty, femininity, romance, desire, independence, or good luck. They can also symbolise a heroine, poet, or lover. The concept originated from lonely sailors away from home who would draw their lovers as a remembrance.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Medusa tattoo meaning for females? Medusa tattoo meaning for females, is about power, freedom, and transformation.
- What is the Medusa tattoo meaning for guys? Medusa tattoos meaning for guys, are about solidarity and empathy with sexual assault survivors. Also, it is about fighting against the idea of victim shaming and blaming.
- Why do females get Medusa tattoos? Females get Medusa tattoos to signify freedom, power, solidarity and transformation.
- What does Medusa mean for females? Medusa's meaning for females is about solidarity with sexual assault victims. Through her identity, women dispel the belief that being victimised means they ought to be cursed or punished.
- What is the meaning behind the Medusa tattoo? The definition behind the Medusa tattoo is that it is a symbol of survival, strength, and overcoming assault.
- What is the story behind Medusa? The story behind Medusa was that she was an attractive priest who was s*xually assaulted, murdered, and decapitated by the gods. She represents a tragedy for what was done to her and beauty because a Pegasus flew out of her body after she died.
- What does laugh now, cry later tattoo mean? The laugh now, cry later tattoo signifies the meaning of "living in the moment", even if that means paying the price later.
The Medusa tattoo meaning is one of history's most misunderstood. Most often, people associate the priestess with being a temptress and enchantress. However, the truth is that she was a victim, and getting her tattoo can signify strength and courage amid adversity.
Are you looking for unique hand tattoos for women? Yen.com.gh published an in-depth article about 25 incredible family tattoos to show your love and their meaning.
The importance of family is priceless. Therefore to show your appreciation, dedicate one of these designs to one of your family members. Show your affection with style and meaning through these incredible family tattoos.
Source: YEN.com.gh
