The creature known to transform into stone those who gaze upon it is the Gorgon, specifically Medusa. In Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the three Gorgon sisters, cursed with the ability to petrify anyone who looks directly at her. This transformative power highlights themes of beauty, fear, and the consequences of divine retribution. Medusa’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of perception and the complexities of human emotions. Over time, she has become an enduring symbol in art and literature.