Who slew Medusa?

Perseus is the hero renowned for slaying Medusa, one of the three Gorgons in Greek mythology who had snakes for hair and whose gaze could turn individuals to stone. The story of how Perseus accomplished this feat is rich with adventure and serves to highlight his bravery and cunning.

Armed with gifts from the gods, including a reflective shield from Athena, winged sandals from Hermes, and a powerful sword, Perseus was able to approach Medusa without looking directly at her, thereby avoiding her petrifying stare. By using the shield to reflect her image, he successfully located and decapitated her. This act not only solidified Perseus's status as a heroic figure but also set in motion numerous events in Greek myths, as Medusa's head retained its power even after her death, allowing Perseus to use it as a weapon.

The other figures mentioned—Hercules, Theseus, and Achilles—are also significant heroes in Greek mythology but are known for different exploits, such as Hercules' twelve labors, Theseus slaying the Minotaur, and Achilles' role in the Trojan War. Understanding the specific narratives associated with each character helps in remembering their distinct contributions to myth.