Medusa was once a beautiful young girl who was kissing her boyfriend in the temple of Athena. Athena saw them and became angry that they were expressing affection in her temple. As punishment, Athena transformed Medusa into an ugly creature with snakes for hair. Medusa's boyfriend fled in fear, and she went into hiding with her sisters, who were also cursed with ugliness. Anyone who looked upon the gorgons would turn to stone.