We Dare You: Look Medusa In The Eye


Class 3L at Braintcroft Primary School in Neasden, North London, were learning about the Romans and were inspired by our scary picture of Medusa to create their own versions of this ancient mythical monster.

Here are some of their pictures of the snake-haired creature.

Their teacher Mrs Levy has sent them in - we think they're great.


People in Ancient Greece and Rome made up lots of stories about heroes and monsters which they called myths.


	One of them was about Medusa, who was the scariest of the three Gorgons.


The Gorgons were terrible sisters who had bloodthirsty snakes for hair and who were so ugly their gazes could turn you to stone.


	A hero called Perseus tricked Medusa by looking at her in the reflection of his shiny shield so he couldn't get turned to stone.


Perseus managed to kill her and chop off her head - it's a really gory tale!


	Here's Perseus sneaking up on Medusa.

This website from the Museum Network tells his story and has lots of other Greek and Roman myths on it too.

Go to the 'Heroes' section of the site to find out more.

Roman mosaic of a female head with snakes for hair.

This floor mosaic of the head of Medusa is just one of many amazing Roman mosaics you can see at Brading Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight.

The people at the Cleveland Museum of Art in America have come up with a fantastic design for you to make your own Medusa mask.

We're not sure if it can turn people to stone though...

The story of Perseus doesn't stop there.

He had loads of other adventures.

Join Perseus as he takes on the evil Kraken, in Stories of the Skies, from the National Maritime Museum.

You can also meet Orion the hunter (seen here fighting a terrifying three-headed dog called Cerberus) and read the wonderful tale of Great Bear and Little Bear.

Cartoon of a man raising a club in the air at a gigantic three-headed dog.

Screenshot from Hercules site showing child's drawing of a many-headed snake.

Another hero of Roman and Greek myths was Hercules.

Find all about his adventures on the fantastic Hercules website, from Show Me and Access Art.


Thanks to Class 3L for all your brilliant pictures! We always like getting your pictures and stories - why not draw a picture of a mythical creature or hero and send it to us?