In Greek mythology, the creature known for its ability to turn people to stone with its gaze is the Gorgon, commonly referred to as Medusa. Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, was once a beautiful maiden transformed into a monster as a punishment. Her lethal gaze became a symbol of fear and danger. Medusa's story encapsulates themes of transformation, loss, and the consequences of divine wrath, contributing to her enduring legacy in myth and literature.