March 21: Women's Month

Young princess Phaidra became queen of Athens and stepmother overnight, when she married king Theseus. His son Hippolytos was of her own age, and she was of exceptional beauty, so it was only natural that he would show some interest. Yet, he didn’t, as he had devoted his life to the service of Artemis. (Hmm. Okay…) Phaidra on the other hand, was interested, and pursued the poor boy relentlessly. (Oh. Did she now?) That was Aphrodite’s doing, you see, because he rejected her gift of love. (I see. Interesting.) When Hippolytos scorned her, Phaidra accused him of assault, before taking her own life. (Oh dear. Some drama.) Yes, and then, the king had no choice, but to sentence his poor, innocent son to death. (OK, enough. Stop here.) Would a goddess really have cared for the affection of one little mortal? Would they compromise a woman to get back at a man? And if Aphrodite had induced a spell, could Hippolytos have resisted? For a Greek woman, this story missed every logic. But for a Greek man, it made perfect sense.

Phaedra, fresco (Pompeï), British Museum, London, UK

Lovesick Phaedra, calyx krater, British Museum, London, UK