Summary
Highlights
A hero is tasked by a divine entity to bring back the head of Medusa, with the implicit threat of death if he fails. He questions whether he walks by choice or by command, and is warned that his path may lead to destruction.
A mysterious figure observes the hero, commenting on his fear and the strength of Zeus's blood within him, stressing that despite divine lineage, he remains mortal. The figure warns of a fate worse than gravity if he continues his ascent.
The hero is confronted about his mission to kill Medusa, being told he will die. He suspects the figure is the trickster messenger of the gods and is given an artifact, sharper than questions, to aid him, hinting at the need for a shield against a greater evil.
The messenger instructs the hero to seek the nymphs for what he needs, but first, he must find the Graeae, three ancient sisters who can guide him.
The hero locates the Graeae, who know his purpose. They reveal Medusa is not merely a monster but was created through a tragic series of events: Poseidon's assault in Athena's temple and Athena's subsequent punishment, transforming her into a Gorgon with a lethal gaze.
The Graeae instruct the hero to find the nymphs 'north beyond the end of the world where the stars have no names.' They also advise him to remember Medusa's tragic story when he faces her, suggesting he use a reflection to avoid her gaze.
The hero encounters the nymphs, who have been expecting him. They provide him with winged sandals to travel where no road can go, a cap of invisibility to make the world forget he is in it, and a bag for Medusa's head.