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Coral in mythology
The origin of coral is explained in Greek mythology by the story of Perseus. Having petrified Cetus, the sea monster threatening Andromeda, Perseus placed Medusa's head on the riverbank while he washed his hands. When he recovered her head, he saw that her blood had turned the seaweed (in some variants the reeds) into red coral. Thus, the Greek word for coral is 'Gorgeia', as Medusa was one of the three Gorgons.[5]
Poseidon resided in a palace made of coral and gems, and Hephaestus first crafted his work from coral.
The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure wounds made by snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing colour. Pliny has recorded the trade of coral between Mediterranea and India in the first century A.D.
-Wikipedia
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