The Gorgon's Head / (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")

Name: The Gorgon's Head / (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

The narrator, gathered with youngsters on a country porch, retells a classical Greek legend in a tone suited to young readers. A courageous youth, aided by supernatural helpers and given enchanted implements, journeys to find and overcome a monstrous woman whose glance petrifies living things, relying on wit and reflection rather than frontal force. The monster's severed head thereafter acts as a strange talisman that alters fate and enables the liberation of an endangered woman. The retelling balances romanticized imagery and moral reflection while simplifying and reshaping ancient material into clear, imaginative storytelling.

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Children & Young Adult Reading Mythology, Legends & Folklore

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About the Author

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer, born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. He is best known for his exploration of moral complexity and the human condition, often set against the backdrop of New England's Puritan heritage. His notable works include "The Scarlet Letter," which delves into themes of sin and redemption, and "The House of the Seven Gables," a tale of guilt and retribution. Hawthorne's writing is characterized by its rich symbolism and psychological depth, making significant contributions to American literature. His stories often reflect his fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of isolation.