Women at the Beginning: Origin Myths from the Amazons to the Virgin Mary

Patrick J. Geary | 2016

Overview

In four essays, Patrick Geary examines how ancient and medieval writers portrayed women, often in marginal roles within origin legends. The book investigates the interplay between women in biblical, classical, and medieval myths—such as Eve, Mary, Amazons, princesses, and countesses—and their actual societal positions. Geary uses these legends as a lens to study patriarchal societies, focusing on texts that reveal how male authors grappled with women's place in their world. The analysis suggests that these authors' own ambivalence towards women manifested in their writings.

Who it's for

• Readers interested in ancient and medieval history.
• Students of mythology and religious studies.
• Those exploring gender roles in historical societies.

Key features

• Paperback format
• Published by Wiley
• 128 pages
• ISBN: 9780691171463
• Published in 2016