Mythology

Medusa was not raped by Poseidon and willingly broke her vow to the goddess Athena. For these offenses against her patron goddess, Athena punished Medusa and turned her into a monster.

Medusa was boastful of her beauty, so much so that she had an abundance of pride. Her vanity would go a step too far when she would knowingly have an affair with Poseidon in Athena's temple, angering the goddess.

Medusa was raped by Poseidon, but instead of being defended by her patron goddess, Athena, she was punished for being raped. This makes Medusa a victim.

Medusa was punished by Athena because she couldn’t punish Poseidon, who was a deity that outranked her.

Medusa was not cursed, she was actually helped by Athena. Her patron goddess gifted her with an ability that would never let Medusa feel powerless again.