March 26: Women's Month

Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, was familiar with all the rumours about her and her tribe. That the term “Amazons” would mean “breastless”, for example. As if they would really mutilate themselves to cock their bow more easily. And that their strength and bravery would originate from the belt she was wearing. It was true that it was a gift from war god Ares, who happened to be her father, but their fighting capacities had been obtained by training, not magic. So, when she heard that the world famous demigod Herakles was on his way to retrieve this supposed mythical object, she couldn’t be bothered. She and her sisters were preparing for the most challenging campaign ever: defending the city of Troy against the Greek invasion. So, when Herakles started manplaining how he needed her girdle as “his ninth labour”, she just handed it over. Pick your battles, as they say. Sadly, Hippolyta herself was accidently unalived before departure to Troy, and her sister Penthesileia took over with sorrow in her heart. The Amazons coudn’t avert the Trojan defeat, but their unique style and dignity would always be remembered.

Amazon Fighting, Roman mosaic, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

Hercules receiving Girdle, Vase, Manchester Museum, UK