Which creature is noted for having a head of snakes and the ability to turn people to stone?

Master AMSCO Literary Terms and Allusions Test. Enhance your literary skills with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Equip yourself with tips and insights to ace the test now!

The creature known for having a head of snakes and the ability to turn people to stone is Medusa. In Greek mythology, she is one of the Gorgon sisters, a monstrous figure characterized by her hair of living snakes. Those who gaze upon her face are turned into stone, underscoring her fearsome nature.

Medusa's story is significant in various myths, including her transformation from a beautiful maiden into a Gorgon as a punishment by the goddess Athena. This transformation adds depth to her character, exploring themes of beauty, punishment, and the consequences of one's actions.

The other options refer to figures who do not possess these qualities: The Minotaur is a creature with human and bull characteristics known for living in the Labyrinth; Moses is a prophet and leader in Abrahamic religions, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and parting the Red Sea; Nebuchadnezzar is a historical king of Babylon known for his conquests and the Hanging Gardens, not for any transformative powers like those associated with Medusa. Therefore, the correct answer stands as Medusa, as she embodies exactly what the question describes.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy