Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Gorgon's Head" is a retelling of the classic Greek myth of Perseus and Medusa, drawn from his collection "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys." Hawthorne adapts the ancient tale for a young audience, infusing it with his characteristic lyrical prose and moral undertones. The story follows the heroic Perseus, son of Zeus, who is tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of retrieving the head of the Gorgon Medusa. Medusa is a monstrous creature whose face is so terrible that any living thing that looks upon it is instantly turned to stone. Guided by the gods, Perseus receives magical aids for his quest: winged sandals that allow him to fly, a polished shield to use as a mirror so he can avoid looking directly at Medusa, a magical sword, and the helmet of Hades that grants invisibility. The narrative builds suspense as Perseus journeys to the remote lair of the Gorgons, navigating past their petrified victims. The climax is his cunning and deadly confrontation with Medusa, where he uses the reflective shield to locate her and behead her without meeting her gaze. Hawthorne’s version emphasizes themes of divine favor, courage in the face of terror, and the triumph of cleverness over brute strength, all while preserving the wonder and peril of the original mythological adventure.

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- The Gorgon's Head (Full Story)