The blue evil eye. It's a talisman impossible to miss in Turkey. You'll find one in your favourite cafe, the local bus and on that souvenir bracelet you just bought. Or replacing leaves on trees. They sometimes do that.
It's easy to guess that anything referenced this much must have a special meaning. And it does. It might be obvious to conclude that the evil eye keeps watch and works to protect you, but exactly how it came about is fascinating.
Now to understand its origin we need to go back to the ancient mythical legend of Medusa. Actually, explaining this story is no easy task simply because so many versions exist, ranging from Medusa being a hideous creature from birth to a vain beauty who brought on her own fate to an innocent woman caught up in a man's world.
Let's just say there is no consensus, but as I have to choose one to explain, I'll go with the story our guide more or less told us.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful woman named Medusa. She had ravishing locks and exquisite blue eyes, looks that didn't go unnoticed by many a male suitor. She was pursued by Poseidon for whom she had mutual affection. Their relationship enraged Athena who in her jealousy turned Medusa's beautiful hair into snakes and those lovely eyes into hideous orbs that turned anyone she dare set her eyes upon into stone.
Interestingly, many stories mention that in her own self-loathing of her new form, Medusa fled to Africa where the snakes on her head are said to have starting dropping baby snakes onto the ground. This is supposedly how venomous snakes came to inhabit Africa!
Anyway, I digress.
Medusa's misery would finally come to an end with her beheading by Perseus who used her slain head, her eyes still possessing their stone-turning powers, to win many battles. Her head eventually made its way back to Athena who placed it on her shield for protection.
The End.
Certainly not one of those “lived happily ever after” tales!
So, what is the exact connection between this story and the evil eye? Well, since Medusa's eyes had the power to keep the enemy away, everyday folk started putting representations of her in their homes and temples, to always keep evil at arm's length. A superstitious tradition that continues to this day.
Do you have an evil eye? Or do you possess something similar in your country or culture?
I just got back from Turkey and brought evil eyes for everyone! I heard the exact version of the story you shared–thanks! I’m sending this article to friends so they can know the meaning.
Thanks so much, Zuri! Hope you had a wonderful time in Turkey! :)
Dude! I never knew that. I’ve totally seen the eyes before, usually on bracelets (some ridiculously expensive from my luxury retail days). Such a cool story. I always liked Athena, but that was a pretty catty move she pulled with Medusa!
Although I’m sure they can get pricey too, luckily you can pick up a simple evil eye bracelet in Turkey for as little as 1 Turkish lira (about 50 cents). Protection for all! haha
In another version of the story, Medusa waltzes into Athena’s temple and starts saying how much better the statues would look if they were of her rather than Athena. Apparently, Medusa was so enthralled by her own reflection on a golden door that she didn’t notice Athena’s presence. Athena then gave her a good talking to and cursed Medusa to teach her a lesson about modesty and beauty only being skin deep.
Some then conclude that Athena’s actions were justified and that this was a fate brought on by Medusa herself. Probably other ways to teach that lesson but they didn’t do things by halves in those days!
I love learning about all the reasons behind sybmols and customs. Thanks for sharing this story.
Me too! It’s one of my favourite parts of travel. Many thanks for stopping by! :)
It’s always nice to know where the superstition came from originally and I always love discovering these little tales about local traditions.
I LOVE finding out these background stories too! Puts things in a whole new context. Many thanks for reading and sharing, Franca.
Really interesting story! I did come across the symbol during past travels, but haven’t heard of the story before I have to admit… So thanks for the wee mythical journey! :)
Oh, and did I already mention how much I like the photo!?? ;)
Thanks Oliver! Glad to hear that our quest to get a photo of an evil eye tree was not in vain. ;)