Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean Conversations: Women Are Wet & Spongy, the History of the Female Body w/ Prof Helen King
Aug 30, 2024
In this lively discussion, Professor Helen King, an expert on the history of the female body and author of 'Immaculate Forms,' explores fascinating topics like ancient misconceptions of women's anatomy and the role of menstruation in culture. She humorously critiques historical narratives, including the bewildering idea of the 'wandering womb.' The connection between Artemis and femininity is examined, alongside how myths reflect societal attitudes toward women's health and autonomy, revealing the lasting impact of these age-old beliefs on modern perceptions.
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Four-Part Framework For Female Bodies
- Professor Helen King structures female-body history around four parts: breasts, clitoris, hymen, womb.
- She traces each part from the ancient world forward through medicine and religion to show shifting meanings.
Clitoris Debates Reveal Cultural Anxiety
- Early anatomists and doctors disputed the clitoris' existence and role, often for cultural reasons.
- Debates entwined discovery claims with anxieties about female desire and male sexual necessity.
Hymen As Medical And Religious Symbol
- The hymen's meaning shifts across medicine and religion, fueling practices like hymen reconstruction.
- King links theological concerns (e.g., Mary's body) to medical and social control over female purity.