Medusa

Once a beautiful mortal woman, Medusa was transformed into a Gorgon as punishment — in most accounts, by Athena after Poseidon violated her in Athena's own temple. She was beheaded by Perseus, who used a reflective shield to avoid her petrifying gaze. From her severed neck sprang Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor.

A winged woman with living venomous serpents for hair, bronze hands, and golden wings. Her gaze was lethal — direct eye contact petrified any living being instantly. Even her severed head retained the petrifying power.

Her gaze petrifies living creatures instantly. Her blood was dual-natured: from the left side it could kill, from the right side it could resurrect. The snakes in her hair were venomous. Perseus used her severed head as a weapon, turning enemies to stone.