The creature in Greek mythology known for its ability to turn people to stone with its gaze is Medusa. As one of the three Gorgon sisters, Medusa represents both beauty and horror, as her transformation resulted from divine punishment. The lore surrounding Medusa illustrates themes of victimization and the dangers of unchecked power. When slain by the hero Perseus, her severed head retains the ability to petrify, embodying a paradox of terror and vulnerability. She serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of actions and the complexities of identity in mythology.