Medusa is often depicted as which of the following?

Medusa is often depicted as a beautiful maiden with snake hair, which aligns with the classical mythological depiction of her character. In ancient Greek mythology, she was one of the three Gorgon sisters and is most famously known for her transformation into a monstrous figure with serpents for hair. This transformation is a result of a curse from Athena, which changed her from a beautiful woman into a creature that could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. The imagery associated with Medusa combines elements of beauty and horror, making her a compelling figure in various literary and artistic representations.

The other options do not accurately capture her essence in mythology. Medusa is not depicted as a wise sorceress or a mother figure of the gods, nor does she symbolize eternal life. Instead, her character is primarily associated with themes of beauty twisted into monstrosity and the consequences of divine punishment, solidifying her status as a complex figure in the realm of myth.