Margaret Sanger proposed that “woman free from sexual domination would produce a race spiritually free and strong enough to break the last of the bonds of intellectual darkness.” The Amazons of Paradise Island epitomize this idea.
Hercules’ violation of Hippolyte’s trust created in her a feeling of terrible foolishness and deep shame, which destroyed her faith in her own instincts. Only after she re-connected with Aphrodite, the embodiment of Divine Love, and thus her self-respect, could Hippolyte reclaim sovereignty over her life and her family, and rediscover the strength to break her chains and lead her sisters to freedom.
Wonder Woman’s real-world origin begins in World War II America, but elements of her backstory can be traced to ancient Greek tales of the mighty hero, Hercules. Famous for his incredible strength, Hercules was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and the mortal Alcmene.
“The truth does seem to change according to who is looking for it — and why.” Phyllis chesler In the pages of Wonder Woman, Marston…
The Magic Girdle as a gift from Aphrodite adds another dimension to the mythology. Hanley correctly identifies the girdle as a zoster, but it is also something more, a specific artifact from the boudoir love goddess herself.
