Myth and gender: Pandora and Eva in a comparative historical approach

Abstract

In this article, we discuss theoretical and methodological potentials of gender studies in Comparative History. By analyzing enunciations of Pandora's (Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days) and Eva's (version of the medieval Portuguese Bible) myths, we focus on gender issues associated to body and marriage in ancient Greece (classical Athens) and in the kingdom of Portugal at the end of Middle Ages. Our interest lies on how difference is signified, questioned and legitimated in relation to these two distinct historical contexts.

Gender Studies; Ancient Greece; Medieval Portugal; Eva; Pandora