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Throughout time, women have been Othered because of the fear and fascination of men. The pre-Christian legend of melusine recalls menstruation, with her husband being disallowed from entering her chamber on a periodic date where she becomes monstrous below her waist: “I proclaim that henceforth every Saturday you shall become a serpent from the navel down. If, however, you find a man who wishes to marry you and will promise never to look upon you on Saturday and never speak of this to anyone, you shall live out your life as a mortal woman and die naturally.” — Jean D'Arras, Le Roman de Melusine |
