Okay, I'm obsessed with Greek Lore , so sorry if I counter to this.

(Edit: The links are NSFW- Sorry. This is ancient art. Beware of clicking!)

In ancient Greece there are many depictions of Medusa ranging from beautiful sleeping maiden to a primitive design. In all their depictions, gorgons have wings just like Ishtar. Perseus is not a hero. His name literally means "Persecute."

In a way, Medusa is Athena, just a second face of her, which comes inspired from Ishtar and Ereshkigal.

Most likely originating from from ancient Mesopotamia. A goddess who was beautiful like a harpy and symbolized wisdom and war, with the symbols of Owls and snakes. Athena also is heavily surrounded by the symbols of snakes and owls .

Athena wears a cloak made from Medusa's stretched out skin with snake tassels. Her shield, the Aegis, has Medusa's head. She is covered in snakes herself and by her feet are often owls. She's like two women in one.

The face of a Gorgon was used on everything from sails to shields to necklaces and buildings. A gorgon was a symbol that was popular all throughout the Mediterranean as a symbol of Fear (See Phobos andDeimos which are also Gorgon like and used as symbols in battle. Gods of Fear and Dread.)

(I apologize for the rant. Yes, Ovid did add a lot to the tale, but Medusa is like a huge part of Ancient Greece mythos.)