The word "petrify" has been employed in literature in ways that range from the fantastical to the downright absurd. In William Congreve’s play, it is used hyperbolically to describe a state of being so terrorized that one might literally turn to stone, a reference that draws on mythological imagery such as that of the Gorgon [1]. In contrast, François Rabelais takes a more literal—and humorously grotesque—approach by suggesting the command to turn animals like dogs and foxes into stone [2]. These examples showcase how the term can both evoke mythical terror and serve as a vehicle for satirical commentary, highlighting its versatility in literary expression.