Medusa

In Girl in the Glass, when the Clypeate reach Berlin, Germany, they discuss killing Adolph Hitler to end World War II, before it even officially begins. However, they quickly decide Hitler’s assassination won’t stop, or even slow, the Obturavi or German ambitions for an atomic weapon. As Declan remarks:

“Hitler is just one snake wriggling atop Medusa’s head.”

Declan is referencing Medusa, a mythological Greek figure. Originally a beautiful mortal woman, the most common version of her origin story describes her seduction by Poseidon in Athena's temple, leading to Athena's wrath. In response to this perceived insult, Athena transformed Medusa into a Gorgon, a monster famously depicted with a head of snakes instead of hair.

These snakes are living, venomous creatures, hissing and writhing about atop her head, contributing to her monstrous appearance. The snakes are linked to her ability to turn those who look directly at her into stone.

Medusa's story is intertwined with the hero Perseus, who beheaded her and presented the head to Athena, who incorporated it into her shield.

Perseus holding Medusa’s severed head