gorgoneia Definition
a decorative motif featuring the head of a Gorgon, typically used in ancient Greek architecture and art.
Using gorgoneia: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gorgoneia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The temple was adorned with gorgoneia, which were believed to ward off evil spirits.
Phrases with gorgoneia
Medusa's head
a specific depiction of a Gorgon's head, typically with snakes for hair, made famous in Greek mythology by the story of Perseus and Medusa
Example
The shield was emblazoned with the image of Medusa's head, which was said to turn anyone who looked at it into stone.
a mythical creature from ancient Greek mythology, typically depicted as a woman with snakes for hair and the ability to turn people to stone with her gaze
Example
The hero Perseus defeated the Gorgon Medusa by using his shield as a mirror to avoid looking directly at her.
terracotta gorgoneion
a type of gorgoneia made from terracotta, often used as a decorative element in ancient Greek architecture
Example
The temple ruins still had remnants of terracotta gorgoneia on the walls.
Origins of gorgoneia
from Greek 'gorgós', meaning 'dreadful'
Summary: gorgoneia in Brief
The term 'gorgoneia' [gɔːˈɡəʊniə] refers to a decorative motif featuring the head of a Gorgon, a mythical creature from ancient Greek mythology. It is commonly used in ancient Greek architecture and art, and is believed to have warded off evil spirits. The term extends into phrases like 'Medusa's head,' a specific depiction of a Gorgon's head, and 'terracotta gorgoneion,' a type of gorgoneia made from terracotta.
