How 'Percy Jackson' Updated the Book's Medusa Storyline to Get Closer to the Original Myth: 'She Was Victim of Rape'
The TV adaptation of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' explores the backstory of Medusa and her relationship with the children's parents, Poseidon and Athena.
Unpacking Medusa's Story
In the original myth, Medusa is a human woman who takes a vow of celibacy out of devotion to Athena. However, she eventually enters into a sexual relationship with Poseidon, which many interpretations posit was nonconsensual and resulted in her being turned into a gorgon by Athena as punishment. The TV adaptation of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' on Disney+ delves into this backstory and presents a more nuanced narrative of abuse and trauma.
The creators of the TV series wanted to explore Medusa's character beyond what was portrayed in the original books, which were written from Percy's perspective. In the writers' room, the team discussed how to avoid a patriarchal lens and give Medusa a more fleshed-out story.
Medusa's relationships with Poseidon and Athena are explored in the TV adaptation, with Medusa sharing her side of the story. She describes Poseidon as someone who broke her trust and speaks of her love and devotion to Athena. The episode aims to present the complexities of Medusa's story and the different perspectives surrounding it.
A Nuanced Portrayal
The TV adaptation takes care in the design of Medusa's character to reflect the complexity of her story. Instead of portraying her as a monstrous villain, she is depicted as beautiful and elegant. Medusa's physical appearance is not the curse; rather, she has embraced her power and chosen to be seen. The character's costume and demeanor reflect her traumatic experiences and emotional processing of Athena's curse.
Actress Jessica Parker Kennedy, who plays Medusa, interpreted the character as a victim of rape and abandonment, even though those specific terms are not used in the show. The portrayal aims to acknowledge the abuse of power in Medusa's story.
The design of Medusa's character and the inclusion of a statue depicting Medusa holding Perseus' head challenge traditional perceptions of her as a villain. The statue, which becomes a symbol of the #MeToo movement, prompts conversations about the different perspectives and interpretations of Medusa's story.
Impact on the Main Characters
The exploration of Medusa's story in the TV adaptation has a significant impact on the main characters, Percy and Annabeth. Annabeth, who is the daughter of Athena, has her perception of her mother challenged as she learns about Medusa's experiences and begins to question her reverence for Athena. Percy, the son of Poseidon, grapples with anger and uncertainty about his father's absence in his life.
The TV series also delves into the complicated relationship between Sally (Percy's mother), Poseidon, and Medusa. The show hints at a deeper backstory and explores the different experiences and perspectives of the characters involved. This subplot further adds to the complexities of the characters' relationships and the impact it has on their perceptions of their parents.
The creators of the TV adaptation wanted to tell the story of Percy's adventure and the challenges of parenting a demigod. Understanding the relationships between Poseidon, Sally, and Medusa plays a vital role in developing the character dynamics and themes within the series.
