"Military Prowess" - “Orithya and Antiope, Queens of the Amazons”
Boccaccio writes, “Orithya also elicited such great praise for her military prowess that Eurystheus, king of Mycenae, thought it would be difficult to capture her royal girdle in war.” The prowess is ironic considering that she is female. Ordinarily, Eurystheua would be more powerful than her for he is male. Accordingly, military competence is not reserved for males; females too can be good fighters.
Semiramis' maleness - “Semiramis, Queen of Assyrians”
Boccaccio explains, “And so this woman, who had been Ninus’ wife, masqueraded as a man and pretended to be her own son. Having assumed royal majesty, she preserved it and the rule of the armies, and by pretending very carefully to be a man she achieved many things which would have been great and noble even for the strongest of men. She spared herself no labors, feared no dangers, and with her unheard deeds overcame the envy of all men." The disguise helps Ninus' widow to run the kingdom smoothly. Obviously, if she had not concealed her gender at first, she would have faced opposition by virtue that she is female. Her achievements which exceed those of men confirm that gender is not the determinant of good leaders. Females can be exemplary leaders when given a chance to lead.
“Carnal Desire”- “Semiramis, Queen of Assyrians”
Boccaccio explains, “It is believed that this unhappy woman, constantly burning with carnal desire, gave herself to many men. Among these lovers, and this is something more beastly than human, was her own son Ninus, a very handsome young man. As if he had changed sex with his mother, Ninus rotted away idly in bed while she sweated in arms against her enemies.” Semiramis’s intimacy with her son is ironic for she has proved herself to be an exemplary leader with noteworthy abilities. The ironic intimacy depicts the inherent weakness of human beings including legendary leaders. Her carnal craving is her predominant flaw which causes dents of her leadership abilities and reputation.
