Young adult themes and adult tragedy mix in this innovative reimagining of an ancient tale
In Greek mythology, Medusa is both a monstrous, powerful, and tragic figure. A beautiful priestess who was cursed by the goddess Athena after being assaulted by the sea god Poseidon, Medusa was transformed to have hair made of live snakes and was terrifying enough that people turned to stone if they looked at her. She was born from ancient Greek tales, but she also appears in modern films like Clash of the Titans or Percy Jackson. Even the dark comedy series Wednesday features Gorgons as a category of magical students (“stoners”) who keep their hair covered with cool hats to avoid turning classmates (temporarily) to stone. But we seldom get the backstory of this complicated character.
I, Medusa is a new origin story with Medusa reimagined as a Black adolescent in ancient times. The result is an intriguing exploration of exploitation and revenge, as well as symbolic reflections on modern day racism. The novel is a tragic coming-of-age story of a relatable, flawed girl who gradually learns how terrible the world can be. The story explores all of this without feeling morose or uniformly bleak. Instead, it offers a unique and unapologetic exploration of human frailty and societal complexity.
Medusa, also know as Meddy, is the seventeen-year-old youngest daughter of two deposed but wealthy lower gods of the sea. She is raised in a posh but oppressive noble household on a secluded island with her loving older sisters Stheno and Euryale and her strict and sometimes cruel and abusive mother and father. Meddy is the only mortal member of the family and is tired of her isolated life on the island, especially since she knows the clock is ticking on her existence. She dreams of mapping her way to faraway adventures with her childhood friend, a household slave named Theo. Things change when her parents host a party for the sea creatures, nobles, and deities, in the hopes that their daughters will find wealthy suitors. Meddy gains the attention of Poseidon and, later, her rash and bold actions intervening against an abusive nobleman gain the attention of the goddess Athena. Athena invites Meddy to train as an acolyte at her temple far away in Athens. Meddy is delighted to finally see the world and she makes both friends and enemies among the other priestesses in training. However, Poseidon’s ongoing pursuit and seduction of Meddy lead to a series of unfortunate events that eventually cause her to get caught in the cruelty of the gods.
I, Medusa offers an exploration of human nature in all of its contradictory ways. The novel not only gives a sympathetic backstory for the famous character, but also offers an exploration of complexities of social relations and personal choices through its flawed, immature protagonist and the equally flawed peers and gods who surround her. The story is told in retrospect, beginning when Meddy is already a snake-haired killer who is using her powers to punish those who hurt young girls. As her past is revealed, Meddy emerges as a curious, headstrong young woman willing to take risks for what she believes in. She is raised as a proud noble, mindful of her rightful place in the world, even when others treat her with racist disrespect at Athena’s temple. However, Meddy is shown to be flawed as well. At times she is naïve, insensitive, and self-absorbed in a way that leads to repeated poor choices for the teenaged heroine. Although the novel is an adult story, it has young adult themes as we watch Meddy navigate parental pressures, peer quarrels, and her first crush on the sea god himself. This complexity adds intrigue to the narrative and makes it very much a page-turner that will leave readers both cheering in delight and shouting in frustration at the various twists and turns of the tragic adventure.
Meddy’s boldness is juxtaposed with her intense naïvete. A major plot element is that she seems to know nothing about sex. This seems unbelievable given the dynamics of her parents and presence of her immortal older sisters, and because she indirectly observes it in her own home with Poseidon and another person. However, her naïvete provides the basis for an important issue of consent that pulls together various ancient interpretations of the Medusa story. Meddy is not the only complicated character in the novel. With the exception of Poseidon, all of the characters are complex and well written. The goddess Athena is feminist, inspiring, and wise, and is supportive of Meddy’s bravery and boldness. However, Athena is also vindictive and hypocritical in her treatment of sexual assault against the women of her temple. Meddy’s sisters are loyal to her, even at the cost of their own wellbeing, but they are comfortable having slaves and are gradually indifferent to the slaves’ wellbeing. Their casual treatment of slavery is an ironic inclusion in the story. This is especially true since racism is explored in Meddy’s interactions with the acolytes at the temple who want to touch her hair and insult her qualifications to be there because her skin color is different. Meddy’s sisters love her deeply but they eventually employ cruelty as a form of physical and emotional defense. On the other hand, Meddy satisfyingly evolves through hardships from a naïve teen to feminist avenger as the story progresses.
Overall, I Medusa provides a lot to ponder in its various themes of misogyny, racism, family, and hypocrisy. This retelling of her backstory through the eyes of a young Black woman adds an intriguing interpretation of the ancient myth while adding real world symbolism to the story. With complex characters and painful tragedies, this origin story of Medusa is surprisingly and addictively entertaining.
Nerd Coefficient: 8/10.
Highlights:
- A tragic take on a coming of age
- Flawed characters
- Real world reflections
POSTED BY: Ann Michelle Harris – Multitasking, fiction writing Trekkie currently dreaming of her next beach vacation.
