It was the men who did the choosing for the monster. As they always had, they picked the girl for her purity from among the village women, all the elder men coming together to inspect her. Her maidenhead must still be intact to mollify the monster, because in that time and for that purpose it meant something.
Wow! I’d rather discuss these answers in small group, fearless leader!! Much to ponder! The teacher in you is hard to stifle!!