Larentina: Myth, Legend, Legacy

Belinda Bishop is about to begin her military career. As she recalls her great grandmother’s telling of the legend of her mythical ancestor—Larentina, known as the She Wolf of ancient Sparta, who was the presumed daughter of Zeus— Belinda draws inspiration from a woman who both lived and most likely died by the sword, proved she was equal to men, and represented courage and opportunity for all women.

As the daughter of a royal family, Larentina’s epic journey begins in fifth century BC, in...