In Greek Mythology, the Amazons were a group of female warriors that settled in the secluded city of Themiskyra on the Black Sea (present day Ukraine). No males could live with the Amazons, they were a force by themselves, known for their courage and pride (Cartwright). However, like majority of species, males were necessary for procreation. For the Amazons to continue their race, they would visit a nearby tribe once a year known as the Gargareans. After choosing a partner from the tribe and having sexual intercourse with them, the Amazons would return home. After giving birth, if the child was a girl, the Amazons would raise her as one of their own. On the other hand, if the child was a boy, he was either killed, sent to live with their fathers,
…show more content…
Firstly, the Amazons were united with Heracles when Heracles was sent by Eurystheus, the king of Mycenae on one of his twelve labors. On this quest, Heracles was to acquire the infamous girdle of Hippolyta. This girdle was presented to Hippolyta by her father Ares to distinguish her as superior over the others, and the chances of Heracles’ obtaining it without numerous challenges were slim to none. As The Library of Greek Mythology states, “Heracles was sent to fetch the belt because Admete, the daughter of Eurystheus, wanted it for herself,” (Apollodorus 78). On some accounts, Heracles went about this task alone, but in other variations of the myth, Heracles fashioned troop of the best Greek warriors, including Theseus. There also seems to be quite some confusion in regards to the level of difficulty needed to complete the labor. Some versions say that Hippolyta handed the girdle to Heracles without putting up a fight, but different versions say that Hera intervened by causing the Amazons to be rather hostile towards Heracles and his army. In this case, Hera managed to disguise herself as an Amazon to fool Heracles. This did not prove to be helpful as Heracles was much too smart to fall for Hera’s deceptions (Apollodorus). In the end, even though the Amazons were fierce fighters, Heracles managed to kill Hippolyte and fight the rest of the Amazons then take the girdle back to Eurystheus
Firstly, the Amazons were united with Heracles when Heracles was sent by Eurystheus, the king of Mycenae on one of his twelve labors. On this quest, Heracles was to acquire the infamous girdle of Hippolyta. This girdle was presented to Hippolyta by her father Ares to distinguish her as superior over the others, and the chances of Heracles’ obtaining it without numerous challenges were slim to none. As The Library of Greek Mythology states, “Heracles was sent to fetch the belt because Admete, the daughter of Eurystheus, wanted it for herself,” (Apollodorus 78). On some accounts, Heracles went about this task alone, but in other variations of the myth, Heracles fashioned troop of the best Greek warriors, including Theseus. There also seems to be quite some confusion in regards to the level of difficulty needed to complete the labor. Some versions say that Hippolyta handed the girdle to Heracles without putting up a fight, but different versions say that Hera intervened by causing the Amazons to be rather hostile towards Heracles and his army. In this case, Hera managed to disguise herself as an Amazon to fool Heracles. This did not prove to be helpful as Heracles was much too smart to fall for Hera’s deceptions (Apollodorus). In the end, even though the Amazons were fierce fighters, Heracles managed to kill Hippolyte and fight the rest of the Amazons then take the girdle back to Eurystheus