Who Medusa Is In Kaos: Actress & Greek Mythology Character Explained

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Kaos

Netflix's Kaos is a compelling dramatic reimagining of Greek mythology specifically around the fall of the gods to man, but liberties have been taken with some of the characters, such as Medusa. The hit series stars Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, the father of the gods, and a man who has almost no feelings for the humans, aside from occasional lust. While the drama of the gods plays out across the mortal plain, and into Olympus, the home of the gods, another vital component is the Underworld, or Hades.

Hades is one of the most distinctly different places which appear in the show, with dark muted tones, and a continuous influx of the recently deceased. However, it's also structured and well organized by the ruler of the realm, Hades, Zeus' older brother. Within this structure, a familiar figure from Greek mythology is present, although the show takes creative liberties with how she is depicted. Regardless, Medusa plays a vital role in the show, and has her background steeped in history.

Medusa's Role In Kaos Explained

Medusa Is A Part Of The Resistance In Kaos

In Kaos, Medusa is first introduced when Riddy, or Eurydice, arrives in the Underworld. It is clear at this point that Medusa is some sort of middle management, who has responsibilities to keep those employed in the afterlife working. She also needs to ensure that the admin is seen to in a timely and efficient manner, which makes her a great asset, but also someone who kind of fades into the background. However, as Kaos season 1 progresses, she reveals more of herself.

While her power of rendering others into stone is made null and void in the afterlife, where most people she meets are dead, Medusa is still a threat. Medusa has ties to the rebel efforts which are attempting to overthrow the gods, specifically the tyrannical patriarch Zeus, and create a new order. While Medusa is not one of the central figures who will bring on the prophecy, her role in the Underworld makes her indispensable as she can pull strings from the inside.

Who Plays Medusa In Netflix's Kaos

Debi Mazar Is A Prolific Hollywood Actor

Tackling this essential role in the series is the wonderfully talented Debi Mazar. Mazar began performing in entertainment in the 1980s when she would perform as a backup dancer in music videos before progressing to land small acting roles in huge hit films like GoodFellas. Despite her youthful appearance, Mazar is actually more than 60 years old, and she has had a thriving career for the past 50 years. From performing in music videos for Madonna, to appearing opposite some of Hollywood's biggest stars, like Jackie Chan, Val Kilmer, Robert De Niro, Robin Williams and many more, Mazar has an established presence in Hollywood.

However, the majority of her roles have been as a supporting character, or small parts. As a result, despite her instantly recognizable face, Mazar is not a household name herself. Despite this, she showcases her incredible talent in Kaos as Medusa. A role which allows Mazar to explore a variety of different sides, and one that could potentially be expanded in future seasons of the show.

How Kaos Changes Medusa In Greek Mythology

Medusa Has An Interesting History In Greek Mythology

Within Greek Mythology, Medusa is also seen as somewhat of a supporting character. She is one of three Gorgon sisters who have the power to turn people into stone with a look. She is a minor rival to Persues, the son of Poseidon, who is able to overpower her, chop off her head, and use the disembodied head as a weapon to transform others into stone. While there are several competing stories about her origins, all closely tying her to Athena in one way or another, Medusa is not one of the central figures in the Mythos.

However, in Kaos, it appears that Medusa has gotten a promotion in the afterlife. Assuming the series follows the events of the mythology, and is depicting the final moments before the gods fall, it makes sense for Medusa to already be deceased. However, she is thriving in the Underworld as she formulates plans to overthrow the gods and helps to direct those who will play a central part in the uprising. While little of her history has been shown in Kaos at this early stage, Medusa continues to be strong willed, though her powers have been made redundant in Hades.

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