In the story of Eve, the whole "rib" thing is an intentional mistranslation of the original Hebrew for the word "side" as in, "Eve arrived at Adam's side". Patriarchal church leaders couldn't stand the idea of women being equal, so they used the word "rib", which makes the whole thing ridiculous.
@halfempty. Think you mean the story of Adam and Eve is a myth devised to explain the unknown.
@Ian485 Yes. And like any story, it is modified, and perhaps corrupted by those along the way who are pushing their own agenda. Like you, I am not a literalist. I believe in the power of myth to attempt to show fundamental characteristics of being human.
@halfempty Agree. I wish more people could see that.