Why do people keep using the rape of Medusa as the true version of the myth?

[Wellthen5]

It seems a lot of people are taught these days that the myth of Medusa is that she was once a priestess of Athena who was raped by Poseidon in her temple; and instead of getting angry at Poseidon, Athena cursed Medusa and turned her into a monster.

But in the original Greek myths Medusa had always been a gorgon along with her sisters. Plus, her sexual encounter with Poseidon seemed to be consensual (noted in Hesiod's "Theogony"). It was only much later in 8 AD that the rape of Medusa was essentially invented by the Roman poet Ovid in his work "Metamorphoses."

So why do people keep flocking to that story when the original is so much less awful?

[IncognitoBandito]

Because myths change over time to suit their societies. As an example, Gorgons had been around for at least 500 years before Hesiod wrote anything about them and were depicted in far different ways. It's also impossible to say whether Ovid started the Medusa rape version of the story, just that he was the first to write it down and have it live on into posterity.

[Wellthen5]

Yes, myths change, but I'm still not sure why the Medusa being cursed version became so popular. The Romans had a habit of making everything especially terrible--like in the original "Oedipus" Jocasta hangs herself at the end, while in the Roman adaptation she stabs herself with a sword and tears out her womb. So why do people have a tendency to ignore other Roman iterations, but this story of Medusa is what is preserved? Is it because ti was written by a famous poet? Because the idea of Medusa's rape and punishment for it appeals to people for some reason?

[OddBeMe]

Same as today, there were multiple greek authors: Hesiod, Aeschylus, Herodotus. All have different (maybe purposefully different) versions of the myths. Just like the gospels in the Bible.

But rape was a big element in greek myth. From what I read, it’s used as warnings or horrific. So not necessarily as sexual. Though lots of greek “heroes” were born via rape from a god.

[demonics]

Feminists don't actually like virtuous women... I mean look at the characters they write, they're all vengeful and bitter about something (literally blasting nonexistent Nazis with period blood). So of course they'd rewrite history and legend as well. Its par for the course.

[Soteris]

Made up stories are made up, the original have no more claim to legitimacy than any other version and not only are the Romans better at spreading their version but quite frankly its more interesting.

[Wellthen5]

So terrible stories trump more tame ones for the sake of 'being interesting?'

[Soteris]

It was a long time since I had any interest in Ancient Greek/Roman mythology or the story behind Medusa so I can't say I really remember it that well. That said having Gods cursing mortals for petty reasons is an appealing story since it makes the Gods more relatable as individuals as opposed to the boring Christian god who is supposed to be "perfect" or whatever. Furthermore the rape adds even further drama.. yes its a better, more dynamic and simply more interesting story.

[jshm2]

You mean you don't understand Rule 34 existed long before the internet?

[Supernormal]

Aww, poor Athens, he should've turned her into a pornstar

[marc94]

She*

[Anonymous]

I'd guess it makes a better story that fits the current social narrative.

[ManWithThePlan123]

People like awful for awful people.

[Wellthen5]

The Romans themselves seemed to like things being particularly awful as well--I mentioned in another comment that in the original version of "Oedipus" the character Jocasta hangs herself at the end, but in the Roman adaptation she stabs herself with a sword and tears out her own womb.

[Snakeyes7]

It fits the oppression narrative

[Wellthen5]

That might be true...

[JesseJayNeak]

Athena was the villain in that story

[JesseJayNeak]

Poseidon too

[Wellthen5]

Yeah, she was purposefully made the villain because Ovid was not only venting his frustrations with the authorities of the time, but also the Romans in general valued Ares (Mars) over Athena (Minerva) so they went out of their way to crap on her.