Medusa hated Athena because Athena punished her for being with Poseidon, transforming her into a monster.
While the question focuses on Medusa's hatred for Athena, it's important to understand the context of Athena's actions. Athena, in most versions of the myth, is not portrayed as being hated before the transformation. The hatred arises directly from the punishment.
Here's a breakdown:
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The Offense: Medusa, in most versions, was either raped by or willingly had an affair with Poseidon, the god of the sea, in Athena's temple or sacred space. This was considered a grave offense against Athena.
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The Punishment: Instead of punishing Poseidon, Athena (for reasons often attributed to her own virginity vows and societal pressures) turned her wrath on Medusa. She transformed Medusa into a Gorgon, a monstrous being with snakes for hair, whose gaze could turn anyone to stone.
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Medusa's Perspective: This transformation was a devastating curse. Medusa became a monster, feared and reviled, stripped of her beauty and humanity. It isolated her and made her a target. Thus, Medusa's hatred for Athena stems directly from the perceived injustice and the horrendous consequences of Athena's actions. Athena essentially ruined Medusa's life.
It's important to note that some modern interpretations offer alternative readings, questioning Athena's motives and portraying Medusa as a victim of patriarchal power structures. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the core reason for Medusa's animosity towards Athena is the devastating and arguably unfair punishment inflicted upon her.
