legend

• Pandora


  Significant figure in Greek mythology associated with the creation of the first woman
• Creation of Pandora


  1. Zeus orders Hephaestus to create the first woman, Pandora

  2. Each god contributes various gifts to her

  3. Hephaestus gives her a jar (often mistranslated as a "box") and instructs her not to open it
• Pandora's curiosity


  She opens the jar, releasing all the evils and miseries into the world
• Implications for Ancient Greek views on women

  • Creation of Pandora as a punishment for humanity's disobedience
  • Pandora possesses traits like cunning and deceit, reinforcing stereotypes
  • Pandora's disobedience and curiosity lead to the release of suffering, a cautionary tale
  • Inclusion of hope suggests a nuanced view
• Helen of Troy


  Significant figure in Greek mythology, associated with the Trojan War
• Helen's Beauty


  • Renowned for her extraordinary beauty, emphasizing the power of physical beauty and its potential consequences
• Kidnapping or Willful Departure


  Circumstances of Helen's departure to Troy vary, raising questions about her agency and the perception of women's choices
• Blame and Responsibility


  • Greeks often placed blame on Helen for the Trojan War, reflecting a distrust of women and the potential danger of female influence
• Contrasting Virtues


  • Helen's actions challenge the traditional notions of female virtue, such as modesty, loyalty to family, and domesticity
• Divine Influence


  • Some versions suggest Helen was influenced or manipulated by the gods, complicating the issue of personal responsibility
• Tragic Figure


  • Helen is often depicted as a tragic figure, torn between conflicting loyalties and the devastating consequences of her actions
• Sabine Women


  Significant in Roman mythology, involved in a key moment in Roman history
• Sabine Women


  • Abducted by Roman men, but later intervened to reconcile the conflict between Romans and Sabines, highlighting their agency and influence
• Tarpeia


  Sabine woman who betrayed Rome by opening the gates to the Sabine invaders
• Tarpeia


  • Represents a negative example, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to Rome
• Lucretia


  Virtuous Roman matron, known for her chastity and loyalty to her husband
• Lucretia's Story


  1. Sextus Tarquinius rapes Lucretia

  2. Lucretia reveals the crime and takes her own life
• Presentation of Lucretia


  • Epitome of Roman virtue, particularly the virtue of pudicitia (chastity or modesty)
  • Her tragic fate underscores the importance of these virtues in Roman society
• Political Implications


  • Lucretia's rape and suicide played a crucial role in the overthrow of the Roman monarchy and the establishment of the Roman Republic
• Rhetoric of Virtue and Honour


  • Lucretia's story was used to emphasize the importance of virtuous behaviour, especially for women, and to inspire citizens to uphold traditional Roman values
• Role in Shaping Roman Values


  • Lucretia's story contributed to the Roman idealization of women as bearers of family honour and guardians of moral values
• What is the main topic of the section titled "Women of Legend"?

  Depiction of women in myths
• What does the topic "Women of Legend" explore?

  • Representation of women in myths
  • Cultural significance of these depictions
  • Impact on societal views of women