Medusa is often depicted as which of the following?

Medusa is often depicted as a beautiful maiden with snake hair, which is a key part of her identity in mythology. According to Greek mythology, she was one of the Gorgon sisters, and her beauty was renowned before she was transformed into a monster. The image of Medusa is iconic; she is typically portrayed with serpents for hair, capable of turning anyone who gazes upon her into stone. This transformation serves as a metaphor for the dangers of beauty and the consequences of vanity in a culture where appearance was highly valued. Her character encapsulates complex themes of power, femininity, and monstrosity, making this depiction particularly significant in literature and art.