The myth of Lamia is one that’s been all but forgotten in the 21st century; Once upon a time, however, her name was among the most haunting words known to ancient Greeks.

Most usually the only women I write about on this site are those born in the minds of men. Whether it be Medusa, Pandora, or Penelope, the frequently occurring women of Being Anti-Sexist are those of ancient mythology.

You may know him for his infamous Metamorphoses or daring Ars Amatoria. Perhaps the celebratory Fasti or even the innovative Amores. But I’m willing to bet you haven’t heard much about his Heroides, considering it’s not included in most high school Latin curricula…

Pandora. Upon only the utterance of her name, most everyone can envision a woman, her fateful box, and a world that suffers eternal consequences. Yet, as a myth that’s become largely socialized into current pop culture and media, we often forget the original details of Pandora’s story.

The power dynamic between men and women in ancient heterosexual relationships oftentimes conforms to a single mold. Writings, statues, and mosaics from both ancient Greece and Rome depict the love shared between strong, dominant males and their sweet, submissive female counterparts.

The story of Medusa is widely known throughout the world. Often the star of the story, Medusa herself, is portrayed as a strong, fierce feminist figure, one who’s even violent and aggressive. By embodying these qualities, Medusa challenges oppressive stereotypes of femininity…