Hermaphroditus in Greco-Roman myth: lessons and hypotheses for intersex today

Abstract

This discussion reviews the Greco-Roman mythic origins of the eponymic Hermaphroditus. It reviews the two major tales, one Greek, the other from Ovid, regarding the origins of the sexual and gender predicament of Hermaphroditus. It explains the genealogy of Hermaphroditus in Greek mythology, and includes a discussion of Ovid's text on Hermaphroditus. A comparison of the two renditions offers the opportunity to reflect on who Hermaphroditus may have been, and to reflect on the implications of his nature. The discussion also attends to some of the ethical and emotional conflicts for the intersexed today. Finally, the discussion explores whether lessons from, and hypotheses regarding a mythic figure, such as Hermaphroditus, may provide guidance for intersexed individuals and their parents.