‘I, Medusa’ explains Medusa’s origins before her
transformation into the monster. It is a retelling of Medusa. Ayana Gray wrote
the story from the first-person point of view.
The sister was the youngest and most protected. Her
sisters, Stheno and Euryale, knew more about power dynamics and sex. She was
naive about the world outside of her home. Her parents, Phorcys and Ceto, kept
those things from her. Medusa, known as Meddy, also does not know much about
relationships or her family history.
For this reason, her mom did not want her to associate with
the other gods outside of their world. But Meddy has no choice after catching
Athena’s attention. Athena wants Meddy to train a priestess in Athens. Athena
picked her because Medusa was a clever young woman who believed in justice.
Those same qualities angered the gods in Athens.
Trigger warning: sex, rape, sexism, bullying, theft of
children, abuse, accidental death, abuse of power, murder.
My Thoughts
I came to admire and understand Medusa and her sisters
through this story. They were willful, outspoken women who suffered cruel
injustices. They were also supportive of each other. The scene with their
mother proved that they were a united front. Seeing them as humans made me
realize their innocence.
The three girls were unaware of their families’ histories.
Their behavior stemmed from their innocence and trust in others. Medusa’s
parents could have prevented the mistreatment, harassment, and abuse that
happened to her. If they had been honest about their past lives and the power
issues with the other gods, Medusa would have been more careful.
To protect and manipulate her, they hid those things. The girls'
parents were also abusive and neglectful. Their parents expected Medusa, Stheno,
and Euryale to be obedient and marry into Athens' families. Reading Ayanna
Gray’s work helped me see that their monstrous nature came from mistreatment.
It was people and gods who abused their power and position.
Conclusion
This book is for people who love Greek mythology. For people
who do not mind hearing a retelling that deals with heavy issues such as rape,
consent, abuse, theft, sexism, accidental death, and murder. These problems are
relevant to this retelling because of the abuse. Medusa revisits a myth that
remains a topic of conversation.
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