Machlyes Explained

The Machlyes (grc|Μάχλυες) were a legendary ancient Libyan tribe.

Ancient sources

According to Herodotus, their young women held a ritual battle with sticks and stones annually with neighboring Auseans (grc|Αὐσέες). Those who died of their wounds were said to have lied about their virginity.^[1]

Pliny the Elder claimed they were hermaphrodites that had a male half and a female half, possibly inspired by the martial practices of the females.^{[2] [3]}

In fiction

In the book Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs, the machlyes Achilla saves Gretchen from the merdaemon in the abysses.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Herodotus's account of the Libyan female warriors in Corinthian helmets. 2008-12-28. Perseus Project.
2. Pliny the Elder, Natural History, VII, ii, 15
3. Web site: Machlyes. 2008-12-28. Theoi Greek Mythology.