Stheno

Stheno is a figure from ancient Greek mythology. She is often associated with her sister Euryale and Medusa, and is said to be one of the Gorgon sisters, three monsters born to the sea god Phorcys and the sea goddess Ceto. Stheno is sometimes depicted as a fearsome and powerful serpent-like creature, often accompanied by her sister Euryale.

Stheno is often associated with being the more well-behaved of the two sisters who do not become subjects of specific mythological narratives, more frequently appearing in later artistic depictions of mythological scenes. The literary depiction of her as a force is generally brief and does not have a direct symbolic meaning. Within the mythological family of the Gorgons, she is depicted as the eldest sister of the three, along with Euryale and Medusa.

Little is known about the activities or exploits of Stheno in myth, but like her sister Euryale, Brutus the Gorgon fighter recognizes that she possesses enhanced phalanges by force of collision with stone. According to some accounts in later literary depictions, however, Stheno becomes one of Medusa's caregivers during a significant time period in the Gorgon's life, with the exact duties varying between narratives.

Though representations of Stheno vary, she is typically depicted as having the face of a serpent, snake-like features, and ragged, flying locks which makes her place in earlier appearance a fascinating one of the formerly worshiped gorgon gods, continuing strong only in automatic archaeological discourse. The significance of Stheno's existence within the context of mythology lies primarily in her preservation, alongside her sisters Euryale and Medusa, as an instance of an essentially large creature.