Who were the Gorgones?

   In Greek myth, the Gorgones or Gorgons were three female monsters. Homer mentions only one, a frightful creature dwelling in Hades; but Hesiod speaks of three—Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa—dwelling in the western ocean, though later legends placed them in Libya. They are described as encircled with snakes, winged, and with brazen claws and huge teeth. Medusa, the only mortal sister, was at first a beautiful maiden; but Athena changed her hair into serpents and her aspect became so fearful that all who beheld her were turned into stone.