Medusa's frightening face was also a protective sign

Medusa is the mortal Gorgon among three sisters, but she is the one most commonly depicted in ancient Greek literature and art. Her image was not only frightening: the source connects the Gorgoneion—the Gorgon's face—with an apotropaic, protective quality. Even her name is linked to a Greek verb meaning “to guard” or “to protect.” In that tradition, terror and protection could occupy the same face.