Originally published: Turnbridge Wells, Kent: Ticktock Media, 2006.

In this graphic retelling of the Greek myth, young Perseus is ordered to slay Medusa, a monster whose gaze turns men into solid stone.

Perseus is sent to slay Medusa and also saves a princess from a sea serpent.

A retelling of the Greek tale of how Perseus, a good and brave young man, is helped by the gods to cut off the head of the monster Gorgon Medusa. Suggested level: primary.

Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and Medusa, one of Renaissance Italy’s most complex sculptures, is the subject of this study, which proposes that the statue’s androgynous appearance is paradoxical. Symbolizing the male ruler overcoming a female adversary, the Perseus legitimizes patriarchal power; but the physical similarity between Cellini’s characters suggests the hero rose through female agency. Dr. Corretti argues that although not a surrogate for powerful Medici women, Cellini’s Medusa may have reminded viewers that Cosimo I de’ Medici’s power stemmed in part from maternal influence. Drawing upon a vast body of art and literature, Dr. Corretti concludes that Cellini and his contemporaries knew the Gorgon as a version of the Earth Mother, whose image is found in art for Medici women.

"Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome " is a comprehensive mythology collection, presenting all the major and minor gods of Rome and Greece, with descriptions of festivals and retellings of major mythological stories. The author, thoroughly details each Greek and Roman god, goddess, hero, demi-god and creature and gives the reader a clear and succinct idea of the religious beliefs of the ancients. An exceptional book for those interested in Greek or Roman mythology.

In graphic novel format, retells the story of how King Polydectes planned to get rid of young Perseus so he could wed his mother, Danae, by tricking him into slaying Medusa--a snake-haired monster whose look turns humans into stone.