The legendary creature that appears in both Greek and Roman mythology as a woman with serpent hair is the Gorgon Medusa. Known for her ability to turn individuals to stone with her gaze, Medusa embodies themes of transformation, power, and victimization. Her tragic backstory, being cursed by Athena, highlights the complexities of beauty and monstrosity. Medusa's narrative has persisted, symbolizing the struggle against patriarchal narratives and the reclaiming of one's agency.