The Gorgon's Head

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

“The Gorgon’s Head” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a retelling of the Greek myth of Perseus, written in Hawthorne’s accessible, storybook style for younger readers. The tale follows Perseus, the son of Danaë, as he is sent on the seemingly impossible quest to slay Medusa, the mortal Gorgon whose gaze turns living beings to stone. With the help of supernatural gifts—a mirrored shield, winged sandals, a magic wallet, and the cap of invisibility—Perseus avoids looking directly at Medusa and cuts off her head while she sleeps. He later uses the terrible head’s power to rescue Andromeda and punish the cruel King Polydectes. The story emphasizes courage, cleverness, divine aid, and the triumph of a brave young hero over monstrous danger.