The creature in Greek mythology said to have the ability to turn anything to stone with its gaze is the Gorgon named Medusa. Once a beautiful maiden, she was cursed by Athena, transforming her into a monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked directly at Medusa would be petrified. Her myth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and the consequences of divine punishment, while also symbolizing the duality of beauty and horror in mythology.