The Gorgon's Head

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Book Overview

The Gorgon's Head is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is a part of his collection of stories called ""A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys"". The story is based on the Greek myth of Perseus and Medusa.The story begins with a young boy named Perseus, who is the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Danae. Perseus is sent on a mission by King Polydectes to bring him the head of Medusa, a Gorgon with snakes for hair, whose gaze can turn people to stone.Perseus sets out on his journey and is aided by Athena, who gives him a shield to protect him from Medusa's gaze, and Hermes, who gives him a sword to cut off her head. He also receives help from the Graeae, three old women who share one eye and one tooth between them.Perseus manages to kill Medusa and returns to the kingdom with her head. He uses it to turn Polydectes and his followers to stone, thus avenging his mother's mistreatment by the king. Perseus then gives the head to Athena, who places it on her shield.The story teaches children about Greek mythology and the importance of courage and perseverance. It also highlights the power of the gods and their ability to aid mortals in their quests.THIS 44 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: A Wonder-Book for Boys and Girls, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766196798.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1161575839
• ISBN13: 9781161575835
• Release Date: May 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"