“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another.
We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams
Greek mythology is interesting for many reasons that I don’t have room to list here. One of my favorite Greek mythologies to explore is the tale of Medusa. Her story came to mind in the most random of places, because that is how my brain functions. Here I was, on the sidelines of the dance floor at Mom Prom as we all shouted lyrics to rather trashy music, considering how this moment connected with Greek mythology.
The myth of Medusa is one of my favorites to explore. There are two different angles to the story of Medusa. The most agreed-upon aspect is that Medusa was a beautiful woman. So beautiful that Poseidon ‘couldn’t help’ but desecrate Medusa in Athena’s temple.
Athena, offended and jealous of Medusa’s beauty and the ‘attention’ from a higher-ranking God, curses her with a scalp of serpents. After Athena’s curse, Medusa’s gaze would turn men into stone. Medusa was condemned not because of her own actions but because of things out of her control.
Another translation of this myth is a bit more “girl power”, if you ask me. This is also the telling I most appreciate. Athena, a lesser God than Poseidon, can do little about bringing retribution to one of the three most powerful beings. Instead, she focuses her attention on equipping Medusa with the power of being able to protect herself.
Athena was a Greek god. Medusa was a temple maid. Both of the women were powerful, beautiful beings before they came into contact. One moment of support from Athena completely changed the course of Medusa's life.
Another less popular myth, though similar to the one of Medusa, is the myth of Athena and Arachne.
Arachne was a talented weaver and Athena was jealous of her talent. They took part in a ‘weave off’. In my head I’m picturing a late 90s teen movie dance-off but with weaving. Anyway, Athena weaves the triumphs of her fellow gods while Arachne weaves their failures. Arachne’s weaving, while hubristically done, is beautiful. Athena is jealous after Arachne wins the contest.
Athena then curses Arachne by transforming her into a spider. Instead of allowing this curse to affect her negatively, Arachne is happy to weave for the rest of her life. She took the negative, and lack of support, and changed it into something beautiful and successful for herself.
Athena’s envy and her kindness had the power to help other women become the best version of themselves.
During Mom Prom, women of all ages, different backgrounds, careers, and lifestyles… all came together in a moment of joy. It was a powerful thing to be a part of. Regardless of a woman’s innate ability to overcome obstacles and lack of support, we’re all more beautiful, more successful, and happier with support.
Women need more “dance floor”, “turning brittle men to stone with a gaze”, “bar bathroom”, “weaving beauty”, and “sleepover” energy. Regardless of social status, who is married to whom, and who goes to what church. We’re the most successful when we’re together.
Amanda Rink is the Editor of The Wright County Monitor. When she isn’t caring for her family, writing for the newspaper, or avoiding laundry, she can be found hiding in the woods with a cup of coffee and a romance novel.
