3. The amazons were an all female race. They were often referred to as Antianeirai ("those who fight like men"). They, however, referred to themselves as Tal Kyrte (“the free people”). It is said that they would either attack a village and keep a few men as slaves, them mating with them once a year to keep their race alive, or that they would once a year mate with a neighboring tribe, the Gargareans. They worshipped the Goddess Ephesian Artemis, who was known as “the greatest hater of all.” The amazons were a tribe driven by strength and power of the female spirit. +First! A little background on the Amazons.
4. The story, The Last of the Amazons, deals centrally around the hatred brought forth due to an act of betrayal. Led by the Amazon queen Antiope, the group—called talKyrte, or "the Free"—is tough and resilient. The tranquility of their independent nation is broken when a band of male Greek soldiers, led by King Theseus, enters the tribe's territory. And when Antiope falls for Theseus, her infuriated subjects seek revenge, igniting a bloody war. The basis of the story and plot line lies in the acts of both betrayal and revenge. The once solid tribe of the Amazons is appalled that their ruler would so easily betray them for a MAN, and because of their hatred for Thesus, they end up tearing themselves apart. “Myths are more meaningful and richer than most.” (pg. 73)
5. In a broader sense, we can look at TLOTA and find several different, defined themes. The first being the aforementioned betrayal and revenge, followed by the idea of a woman failing at maintaining her independence due to her lust for a man, and a man’s dominance in both ancient times and today. These themes are still widely seen in everything, even in popular culture. For instance, in many romantic comedy films today, we see a woman who tries to be happy alone, and tries to maintain her independence, but fails due to her idea that she needs a man or a relationship to be happy. As far as male dominance, we still see that in politics, popular culture, and almost every aspect of life. And now, a wider look.
6. As far as betrayal and revenge, that is also a major aspect in popular culture today! In TLOTA, we see the negative effects of revenge on the people carrying it out. It is often found today however, that the person who takes revenge on someone who hurts them (For example, a girl who gets cheated on and then gets her boyfriend back) is avenged by their act of revenge. The contrast that TLOTA presents does till occur, but is less documented. This could be because the lessons that were being taught in the times of greek mythology have changed drastically from today. Greek myths were often used to cause fear in young people from committing wrong acts. Today, it is often unfortunately found that the opposite is tue. And the other theme…
7. In HTRLLAP, Foster states that different authors use different myths from their own culture. Although the actual story line may vary from culture to culture, the THEMES mentioned in this presentation are not hard to come by. The fact that they are found both in greek mythology based on ancient events, and also in your local movie theatre today, shows that themes are truly universal, and that many themes do stem from old and seemingly outdates stories. What Foster shows us is although on the surface these stories may not seem relatable, their themes are so strong and well known that almost anyone can find a myth that they both relate to and that applies to their life as well. And finally, keeping an eye open for these themes later on!
8. Aegea, queen of the Amazons who was thought by some to have been the eponym of the Aegean Sea.[31] Ainia, enemy of Achilles and an Amazon, one of the twelve who accompanied Penthesilea to the Trojan War. Her name means "swiftness."[citation needed] Andromache, an Amazon who fought Heracles and was defeated; only known from vase paintings.[32][36] Not to be confused with Andromache, wife of Hector. Antianeira, succeeded Penthesilea as Queen of the Amazons. She was best known for ordering her male servants to be crippled "as the lame best perform the acts of love".[37] Ephesos, a Lydian Amazon, after whom the city of Ephesus was thought to have been named; she was also said to have been the first to honor Artemis and to have surnamed the goddess Ephesia.[42] Eurypyle, queen of the Amazons who was reported to have led an expedition against Ninus and Babylon around 1760 BC[43][44][45] Gryne, an Amazon who was thought to be the eponym of the Gryneian grove in Asia Minor. She was loved by Apollo and consorted with him in said grove.[46][47] Helene, daughter of Tityrus. She fought Achilles and died after he seriously wounded her.[48] Hippo, an Amazon who took part in the introduction of religious rites in honor of the goddess Artemis. She was punished by the goddess for not having performed a ritual dance.[49] Lysippe, mother of Tanais by Berossos. Her son only venerated Ares and was fully devoted to war, neglecting love and marriage. Aphrodite cursed him with falling in love with his own mother. Preferring to die rather than give up his chastity, he threw himself into the river Amazonius, which was subsequently renamed Tanais.[52] Melanippe, sister of Hippolyte. Heracles captured her and demanded Hippolyte's girdle in exchange for her freedom. Hippolyte complied and Heracles let her go. According to some,[53] however, she was killed by Telamon. Molpadia, an Amazon who killed Antiope.[54] Some well known Amazons.
