This Lego minifigure shows the Gorgon Medusa in her most recognisable form including hair comprised of writhing snakes. The monstrous features of Medusa are present, but toned down to suit younger users. Unlike other minifigures, Medusa is not accompanied by any additional items. The minifigure could, however, be used alongside other minifigures or sets.

The minifigure emphasises the monstrous nature of Medusa, who is known in classical mythology for her hair made of coiling snakes. This feature acts as the headpiece for the minifigure. Her hair is coloured bright green – green is the colour that is most commonly associated with snakes and reptiles. The snakes appear asymmetrically upon the headpiece as though to connote a sense of writhing movement and action.

The minifigure’s head consists of two faces, either of which can be rotated to the front. One side is calmer and more human, with lime green eyes and a closed mouth, recalling Medusa’s time before her transformation into a Gorgon by the goddess Athena. The other side presents an aggressive image. On this side, the eyes are deep orange, and the mouth is wide open revealing two large white fangs, not unlike that of a snake. The eye sockets are recessed, with visible cheekbones making her face appear like that of an attacking serpent. 

The torso of Medusa is a lighter shade of green, with darker shading at the hips to illustrate curves and a more feminine shape. Around her torso, Medusa wears beige armour or cloth shaped like the jaws of a snake. At the base of the clothing there are two fangs that meet at the waist. At the top of piece of clothing there are two brown coiled decorative snakes, both depicted facing each other and hissing. This motif is reminiscent of sculptural depictions in the Archaic and Classical period. Instead of human legs, Medusa's lower body is that of a large upright snake. White dots in an ‘M’ shape on the snake part of her lower body represent scales. The simplicity and visibility of Medusa’s monstrous and human elements would make the figure a useful tool in teaching chidren about the duality and humanity of monsters.

The depiction of the minifigure draws heavily on painted and sculptural figures from the Classical world. Meanwhile, the exaggerated features of the minifigure is consistent with uses of Medusa in popular culture, which tend to emphasise her monstrosity. Childhood fears of animals, not least reptiles may also be capitalised upon here.

Farshtey, Greg and Daniel Lipkowitz, LEGO Minifigure: Year by Year A Visual History, London, Dorling Kindersley, 2013.

LEGO, LEGO Medusa biography (accessed: August 3, 2018).

LEGO Group, LEGO Group About us page (accessed: August 3, 2018).

LEGO Group, LEGO Group brand (accessed: August 3, 2018).