Jellyfish are called "medusa" because their appearance resembles the infamous Medusa from Greek mythology.
The Connection: Jellyfish and Medusa
| Feature | Medusa (Mythological Figure) | Jellyfish |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Snakes for hair | Tentacles |
| Significance | Monster; turns people to stone | Marine animal |
| Origin | Greek Mythology | Marine Biology |
The name stems from a visual similarity. Here's a breakdown:
- Medusa of Myth: In Greek mythology, Medusa was a fearsome Gorgon. She was cursed by the goddess Athena. Her hair was turned into venomous snakes. Her gaze could turn anyone who looked at her into stone.
- Jellyfish Resemblance: The tentacles dangling from a jellyfish's bell look like Medusa's snake-filled head of hair.
- A Fitting Name: Because of the resemblance, scientists and others chose the name "medusa" to describe the umbrella-shaped body and trailing tentacles of these creatures. The term is even used to describe a specific stage in the jellyfish life cycle.
Essentially, the name "medusa" for jellyfish is a descriptive metaphor drawn from the striking imagery of the Greek myth.
