African Origin of The Gods: MEDUSA | Greek Mythology

Medusa is revered as the chief goddess of the Libyan or Gorgonian Amazons. She was beautiful beyond comprehension, and her beauty, apparition, and all-around aura made men and women stop in awe. Known as a warrior queen, Medusa's name signifies protector and guardian. The Greeks believed Africa was a supernatural land, and thus, where their mythological creatures originated from. Regarded as a land teeming with large serpents, and it was here that Medusa, the serpent goddess resided. According to the legend, Medusa roots are from the Black Amazon tribe known as the Gorgons. The Gorgon tribe were believed to be descendants of primordial deities, their lineage traced back to the ancient gods and their power inherited from these divine ancestors. They were the children of Phorcys, an Ethiopian god of the sea, and Ceto, the goddess of the sea and living creatures. Diodorus' collection of other historians' work links Medusa to Africa, specifically to African societies ruled by women. In Africa, there was not one race only of women who were famous for valor and warlike exploits, for we are informed that the Gorgons, against whom Perseus made war, for courage and valor were eminent. The Amazons are the other race of women. In the western parts of Africa, upon the borders of those tracts that are inhabitable, there were anciently a nation under the government of women, whose manners and course of living were altogether different from ours. In the land of the Ethiopians, the queen rules with equal power to the king and commands great respect and authority. The Ethiopian queens were recognized as Candaces, a name that has passed on through a succession of queens for many years. In another passage, Diodorus Siculus confirms the African origins of Medusa. He quotes, now the Amazons had their dwelling in the parts of Africa, and it is said that originally they were of one race with the Gorgons. Both of these peoples, the Gorgons as well as the Amazons, dwelt in the western parts of Africa, the Gorgons having their abode in the region of the Gorgades Islands. It was the custom for those women to manage all matters of war, and for a certain time keeping themselves virgins, they went out as soldiers into the field, and after so many years run up in their warfare, they accompanied with men for the preservation of posterity, but the magistracy and all public offices they kept wholly in their own hands. According to Pelophotus, the Gorgons were actually three female rulers of African islands who owned a precious golden statue of Athena. Saino, the eldest of the Gorgon sisters known for her strength and ferocity, Uriale, the second of the Gorgon sisters famous for her loud, piercing cries. Medusa, the youngest and most famous of the Gorgon sisters. These rulers governed islands off the coast of Africa and led successful battles against foreign invaders and war-mongering tribes till the time of Medusa's fatal ending. The Black Amazon tribe was an ancient race of black women, known for their remarkable achievements and conquests around the globe. This ruling class was led by several African women, including the legendary Queen Medusa. Inspired by the Greeks when they encountered African matriarchal societies, Medusa and her society left a profound impression on them, as noted by the quote, their society was nothing like ours, a powerful matriarchy, where women were great militarists and on occasion led their armies in battle. Young women were trained from childhood to master the art of war. It was believed that Black Amazons founded many cities and temples, showing their ability to govern and lead. The Amazons, renowned for their bravery, are believed to have established many cities and monuments in honor of their goddess, Artemis, a goddess of war. Originally known as the Egyptian deity Bastet, a black goddess symbolized as a black panther, the Amazons held Isis, Naith and Anru in great reverence, which the Greeks adopted them as Demeter, Athena and Ares. In conclusion, Medusa's story is deeply rooted within African origins, particularly within the context of matriarchal societies like the Gorgonian Amazons.