Emotional meaning of a Medusa tattoo when TikTok users show their ink

Tattoos have been used as facets of self-expression and artistry for years, and the latest tattoo that TikTok is adopting is no different.

People all over the world take to TikTok to show off their Medusa tattoos and it seems that the Greek mythological woman is still relevant today.

The trending ink has been popping up on the social media platform for the past few weeks. Here’s everything you need to know about the trend.

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Meaning behind the Medusa tattoo explained

Medusa’s story has been told for thousands of years and she is known in Greek mythology as a monster with snakes for hair who could turn men to stone.

In recent years, however, women have reclaimed the story of Medusa, arguing that her portrayal in popular culture as the villain is unfair.

At Ovid metamorphoses Medusa was attacked by Poseidon in Athena’s temple. Athena punished her for this and turned Medusa into the monster she is commonly known as.

This rhetoric – that women will be punished if they are attacked – has been around for far too long and people no longer stand for victim accusations. The Medusa tattoo has essentially become a symbol of it, and many sexual assault survivors have shared what their tattoo means to them.