Women of the Legend

Women in Homeric Legends

Helen of Troy: initiated the Trojan war by her elopement. Often depicted as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Penelope: wife of Odysseus, known for her fidelity, perseverance and ingenuity by weaving and unweaving Laertes’ shroud.
Circe and Calypso: two nymphs who seduce Odysseus but are ultimately thwarted. They represent powerful and independent, yet dangerous women.
Nausicaa: Phaeacian princess who helps Odysseus. She represents the idealisation of maidenhood and virginity.
Clytemnestra: wife of Agamemnon, she takes a lover and kills her husband upon his return, giving her a negative reputation.

Aphrodite: goddess of love, desire and beauty. Power is associated with beauty and her ability to cause love and lust in others.
Artemis: virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and animals. She represents womens’ independence of men and their potential for self-sufficiency.
Athena: patron goddess of Athens - warrior and goddess of wisdom. Embodies strength, strategy, and intelligence. Her virginity emphasises this strength as separate from domestic and marital roles.
Hera: queen of the gods and protector of marriage. Her vindictive and jealous tendencies are often attributed to Zeus’ many infidelities.
Demeter: goddess of agriculture, fertility, and motherhood. The Eleusinian Mysteries surrounding her embody ancient female initiation rites.

Antigone: in Sophocles’ drama, she stands up against King Creon to ensure her brother a proper burial. A strong example of disobedience, loyalty and female agency.
Medea: in Euripides’ play, she murders her children to punish her unfaithful husband. Example of the dangerous woman when scorned.
Clytemnestra in Agamemnon: her character in this Aeschylus’ drama is controversial as she kills her husband for sacrificing their daughter.
Helen in Trojan Women: depicted by Euripides, she defends herself against the charge of treason, showing her cunning and eloquence.
Jocasta: kills herself upon discovering her incestuous relationship with her son, showcasing the tragic consequences of destiny and ignorance.