Ode to the hymen

If you spent any time thinking about it you might conclude that the hymen is the most useless, ridiculous thing ever. What purpose does it serve? I read once that only humans and camels have them. Isn't that beautifully? And yet somehow we continue to revere it in various cultures.
I'll tell you where it really comes in handy. In historical romances. Then it takes on great significance. Does she have one? Does she not? Why does she have one? Why doesn't she? Where did it go? Who took it? Why didn't she tell him that it was/wasn't there? Oh yes it is a delightful plot device that can be used in all kinds of ways. God bless the hymen.