Medusa was originally a beautiful woman, but was punished by the goddess Athena by transforming her into a monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who made eye contact with Medusa would immediately turn to stone. Perseus was sent by King Polydectes to retrieve Medusa's head, and received help from various gods. He used his reflective shield to look at Medusa's reflection instead of directly at her, and severed her head, causing the winged horse Pegasus to emerge. Perseus returned and turned Polydectes to stone with Medusa's head.