Medusa , in Ancient Greek mythology , was a monster from the underworld who had the ability to transform those who looked into her eyes into stone. As hair, his head was full of snakes .
It should also be noted that she was one of the three gorgon sisters, in addition to Euryale and Stheno, and also the daughter of Ceto and Fortis. Not to mention that she became pregnant by Poseidon.
It is considered that she died at the hands of the hero Perseus, who managed to decapitate her with his sword without looking at her directly but through a mirror-type shield. Likewise, it is interesting to know that it is established in mythology that what would be his offspring sprouted from his neck: the giant Chrysaor and Pegasus, the winged horse.
The figure of Medusa has notably inspired all types of artists. Hence, numerous works can be found where that is very present. This would be the case, for example, of the painting "Medusa", an oil on canvas dated 1597 and which is one of the most important paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571 - 1610), popularly known as Caravaggio.
However, we cannot ignore the sculpture titled "Perseus with the head of Medusa", which dates back to 1801 and was made in marble by the neoclassical Italian artist Antonio Canova (1757 - 1822), or the painting "Medusa", which is an oil painting on canvas created in 1878 by the Swiss symbolist Arnold Böcklin (1827 – 1901).
Starting from this mythological figure, the concept of jellyfish as a common noun emerged. According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), this is the name given to a form of organization of numerous cnidarian coelenterates .
Coelenterate animals have radiated symmetry and a body with a single gastrovascular cavity that has the same opening as an anus and mouth. Cnidarians , meanwhile, are coelenterates with stinging cells that are usually marine and planktonic.
Jellyfish, in short, have these characteristics. These are aquatic species whose shape resembles a bell, with tentacles hanging from its edges.
Known in colloquial language as aguavivas or aguamalas , jellyfish move thanks to body contractions. They also incorporate water that they then expel to propel themselves.
They have toxic cells in their tentacles. Jellyfish use this toxicity as a defense and to catch their prey. When they come into contact with other animals, these poisonous filaments are ejected.
Many people suffer jellyfish stings on beaches around the world. Once the poison reaches the skin , the affected individual begins to experience burning and pain in the area of contact, which also tends to become red and inflamed.
When stung by a jellyfish, the area should be cleaned with salt water or saline solution. Applying cold to the surroundings and giving antihistamines and pain relievers are also common measures to relieve symptoms .
Likewise, we cannot forget the Medusa Sunbeach Festival, which is an electronic music festival held annually on the beach of Cullera (Valencia). It began its journey in 2014 and is aimed at people aged 14 and up.