Medusa

In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons and the only mortal among them. Once described as a beautiful maiden, she was cursed by the goddess Athena and transformed into a monstrous being with venomous snakes for hair. Anyone who looked directly into her eyes would instantly turn to stone. Medusa was eventually slain by the hero Perseus, who used her severed head as a powerful weapon even after her death.