The Gorgon's Head: (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")

In Short

Nathaniel Hawthorne retells the classic Greek myth of Perseus and Medusa, framing the ancient legend within a cozy Victorian setting where an eighteen-year-old college student, Eustace Bright, entertains a lively group of young cousins at Tanglewood. Tasked with an impossible quest by a treacherous king, the brave young Perseus must sever the head of the snaky-haired Gorgon Medusa, whose gaze turns living men to stone. By softening the antique horror with romantic charm, humor, and a light touch, Hawthorne crafted a timeless classic that proved ancient myth could become delightful literature for children.

The Story

The tale opens on the porch at Tanglewood, where Eustace Bright gathers a cluster of energetic children—bearing whimsical names like Primrose, Cowslip, and Sweet Fern—to tell them a story from the childhood of the world. He begins with Perseus, who, as a small boy, was cast adrift on the ocean in a wooden chest alongside his mother, Danae. Rescued by a kindly fisherman named Dictys on the island of Seriphus, Perseus grows into a strong, noble youth. However, the island's ruler, the cruel King Polydectes, seeks to get rid of Perseus so he can mistreat Danae without interference. Polydectes tricks the brave young man into promising to fetch the ultimate bridal gift: the severed head of Medusa, the deadly Gorgon whose face turns any mortal watcher into cold stone.

Realizing the impossible nature of his task, a despondent Perseus retreats to a quiet spot, where he meets a sprightly, shrewd stranger who calls himself Quicksilver. Quicksilver offers his help and guides Perseus through a series of crucial preparations. First, Perseus polishes his shield until it shines like a mirror, and trades his sword for Quicksilver's exceptionally sharp blade. Together, they seek out the Three Gray Women—strange, bickering sisters who share a single eye and tooth among them. By snatching their solitary eye, Perseus compels them to reveal where to find the Nymphs who possess the vital magical items for his quest: winged slippers, an enchanted wallet, and the helmet of invisibility.

Equipped with these miraculous tools, Perseus flies across the ocean alongside Quicksilver and his grave, invisible sister, Wisdom. They locate the Gorgons sleeping soundly on a rocky shore, surrounded by crashing waves. Using the polished shield as a mirror to avoid looking directly at Medusa, Perseus swoops down and severs her head with a single swift strike. He secures the head inside the magic wallet just as Medusa’s monster sisters awaken. Rendered invisible by his helmet, Perseus escapes their furious pursuit and flies home.

Upon returning to Seriphus, he discovers that his mother has fled to a temple to escape the king's abuse. Perseus marches straight into the palace, where Polydectes and his malicious, mocking courtiers demand to see the prize. Warning the crowd to look away, Perseus pulls the head from the wallet; instantly, the wicked monarch and his malicious subjects are transformed into lifeless stone statues, freeing the island and securing safety for his mother.

How It Unfolds

The challenge is issued King Polydectes cunningly tricks young Perseus into undertaking a fatal quest to slay Medusa, hoping to eliminate the youth and torment his mother Danae.

An ally appears As Perseus despairs over his perilous task, a nimble, cheerful stranger named Quicksilver offers his guidance, advising him to polish his shield and set off to find the Three Gray Women.

Outwitting the Gray Sisters In the dim twilight, Perseus ambushes three ancient sisters, snatching the single eye they share and refusing to return it until they reveal the secret location of the Nymphs.

Equipped for battle From the kindly Nymphs, Perseus receives winged slippers that allow him to fly, an enchanted wallet, and a helmet that renders him completely invisible to mortal and monster eyes.

The strike at the shore Guided by Quicksilver and his wise sister, Perseus uses his mirrored shield to view Medusa safely, decapitating the sleeping monster before her restless, snaky locks can save her.

Justice at court Returning home to find his mother in hiding from the tyrant, Perseus confronts King Polydectes and his cruel courtiers, unveiling the Gorgon's head to turn the entire wicked crowd into stone.

The People

• Perseus: The courageous son of Danae who wants to protect his mother and honor his word. Though initially overwhelmed by his impossible quest, his bravery, respectfulness, and willingness to follow wise advice allow him to conquer terrible monsters and grow into a true hero.
• Quicksilver: A light-footed, witty, and slightly mischievous guide who assists Perseus. Possessing sharp wits and a magical staff, he provides essential tools and clever tactics, acting as a charmingly confident mentor throughout the journey.
• King Polydectes: The wicked, scheming ruler of Seriphus who wants to rid his kingdom of Perseus so he can torment Danae. His deceitful trap ultimately backfires when his own malicious curiosity drives him to look upon Medusa's head.
• The Three Gray Women: Named Scarecrow, Nightmare, and Shakejoint, these three ancient, bickering sisters share only one eye and one tooth between them. Their petty squabbling leaves them vulnerable to Perseus, who uses their shared vision as leverage to gain vital information.

In Its Own Voice

"He has generally suffered the theme to soar, whenever such was its tendency, and when he himself was buoyant enough to follow without an effort."

In his preface, Hawthorne explains his philosophy on adapting classical mythology for children without condescending to his young readers.

"The worst thing about these abominable Gorgons was, that, if once a poor mortal fixed his eyes full upon one of their faces, he was certain, that very instant, to be changed from warm flesh and blood into cold and lifeless stone!"

The narrator introduces the terrifying lethality of Medusa and her sisters, setting the stakes for Perseus's adventure.

"Look in your shield, as you fly downward, and take care that you do not miss your first stroke."

Quicksilver's grave sister instructs Perseus on how to safely navigate his strike against the sleeping Gorgon.

What It's Really About

Beneath its fairy-tale charm and magical adventures, the story explores the triumph of resourcefulness, humility, and moral integrity over brute force and deceit. Polydectes relies on malice and cunning to send an innocent youth to his death, but Perseus succeeds because he listens to wise guidance, polishes his tools, and exercises careful restraint. Hawthorne reframes ancient, fate-driven Greek myth into a moral universe where goodness is protected and wickedness brings about its own self-destruction. The framing narrative at Tanglewood reinforces the power of imaginative storytelling to pass timeless virtues and wonder across generations.

Why Read It Today

This retelling is ideal for readers who delight in classic mythology, rich 19th-century prose, and imaginative storytelling. Hawthorne’s version transforms what was originally a grim, violent legend into an accessible, romantic fantasy filled with warmth and gentle humor. The narrative style feels like sitting beside a fireside storyteller, blending high adventure with playful banter among the listening children.

Readers should note that the prose reflects Victorian literary conventions, featuring elaborate sentence structures, elevated vocabulary, and a cozy, moralizing tone that may feel leisurely to modern audiences accustomed to faster pacing. However, Hawthorne's decision not to write "downward" to children ensures that the language remains vibrant, elegant, and deeply rewarding. It stands as a masterclass in how ancient traditions can be reshaped for new audiences without losing their core magic.