How Athenian Mythmaking about Amazons reveals Knowledge about the Conventional Social Roles in Athens and Men’s Attitude towards Women


Essay, 2007

7 Pages, Grade: 1,0


Abstract or Introduction

The image of Amazons in Greek myths contradicts the patriarchal Athenian principles of the order of things and the Athenian way of life, and therewith reveals knowledge about the
conventions that existed in Athens. This paper intends to examine in how far this statement is valid, and additionally, what meanings underlie the fact that Amazons often are slain by mythical heroes. At first, a short description will be given on how Amazons are generally depicted in Athenian myths. Then several outstanding features of Amazons will be discussed and connected with their impact on the inversion of social roles. Furthermore, examples of heroes and their successful victory will be analysed in terms of their meaning for Athenian gender roles and male supremacy.
The first thing to say about the depiction of Amazons in myths is that they do not have female weaknesses (cf. Tyrell, 88/89). In several myths, the Amazons are described as “men’s equals…”
(Homer, Iliad 3.189), or women, “who fight men in battle” (ibid. Iliad 6.186)...

Details

Title
How Athenian Mythmaking about Amazons reveals Knowledge about the Conventional Social Roles in Athens and Men’s Attitude towards Women
College
Hawai'i Pacific University
Course
Gender & Sexuality in the Classical World
Grade
1,0
Author
Year
2007
Pages
7
Catalog Number
V148699
ISBN (eBook)
9783640604500
File size
416 KB
Language
English
Notes
7-seitiger Essay, die letzte Seite enthält Angaben zur Literatur
Keywords
Athenian, Mythmaking, Amazons, Knowledge, Conventional, Social, Roles, Athens, Men’s, Attitude, Women
Quote paper
Christina Gieseler (Author), 2007, How Athenian Mythmaking about Amazons reveals Knowledge about the Conventional Social Roles in Athens and Men’s Attitude towards Women, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148699

Comments

  • No comments yet.
Read the ebook
Title: How Athenian Mythmaking about Amazons reveals Knowledge about the Conventional Social Roles in Athens and Men’s Attitude towards Women



Upload papers

Your term paper / thesis:

- Publication as eBook and book
- High royalties for the sales
- Completely free - with ISBN
- It only takes five minutes
- Every paper finds readers

Publish now - it's free