Playing Horse with Phyllis and Aristotle

During the medieval period, philosophers were expected to maintain chastity similar to that of the church men so that their studies could be the main focus of their lives. Abelard writes in "Abelard and Heloise" of the "heave yolk" of marriage advised against by philosophers such as Aristotle and Cicero. Abelard also writes that marriage is "a rival to his study of philosophy," which is a common belief for medieval scholars. One of the most well-known examples of this is the story of Aristotle and Phyllis.
Aristotle was the teacher of Alexander the Great, to whom Phyllis was married. Aristotle influenced Alexander heavily and convinced him to separate from Phyllis so that he could focus on his political duties. Alexander agreed, much to the resentment from Phyllis. A woman scorned is not to be trifled with. She came up with a devious plan to take down Aristotle, as well as gain her husband back. Phyllis "softly sang and danced" outside of Aristotle's window to seduce him. When she was within arm's reach of him, he grabbed her and told her of his desires. She agreed to fulfill his desires if he agreed to get down on his hands and knees and let her ride upon his back like a horse. He did so without hesitation and she signaled for Alexander to come out. When Alexander saw this, Aristotle lost some of his credibility as a philosopher. Alexander forgave Aristotle and reunited with Phyllis.
Because of this story and others, philosophers see romantic relationships with women as a burden and harmful to one's academic career.
Below is a fourteenth century French bronze aquamanile of Phyllis riding Aristotle like a horse.

Learn more at:

http://www.jehsmith.com/1/2013/04/phyllis-rides-aristotle.html

http://iconics.cehd.umn.edu/Aristotle/Lecture/default.html