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The myth of the Amazons in Medieval West

• Πεταλάς, Δημήτρης Γ.

The author presents and analyzes the myth of the fierce warrior-queen who refuses to obey to male rule and who is finally tamed, by force and/or by ruse, thus losing both her virginity and her male-like power. This myth occurs, with several variations, in the medieval epic poetry of Germany (Nibelungenlied, early 13th century AD) and Scandinavia (Thidrekssaga, late 13th century; Hvenische Chronik•, Gongu-Hrolfs-s aga, early 14th century). Structural analysis of these narratives indicates that they all stem from early Russian folklore, which constitutes the link between medieval versions of the myth (including Byzantine ones) and ancient tales about the tribe of the Amazons, their mannish behavior and their desperate struggle against solar heroes representing male-dominated civilization.

• Sociology

• Folklore and history
• Mythology

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