Ayah Righi, Period 1, 2/12/2024

Ayah Righi

Period 1

2/12/24

Modern Mythology 2024


Literacy and Learning: The Role of Historical Context in the Portrayal of Women Across Literature.


More than halfway into the year, this Modern Mythology course has proven to take the form of a unique opportunity to introduce me to a wide range of literature. Whether it’s the heroic poem of Beowulf from the seventh century or a modernized retelling of Medusa’s story, published a little over a year ago, I’ve basked in the chance to explore various writing styles, different cultures, and a plethora of perspectives. However, a common theme embedded in these works is the use of underlying sexism and harmful gender stereotypes. This is highlighted in character behaviors, dialogue, plot points, and overall word choice to describe physical attributes as well as what lies beneath numerous characters, specifically for women, or lack thereof. Stemming from these iconic works are the dangerous applications that they have on the power imbalance of society, leading the next generation to adopt misogynistic systems that intrude upon our way of life.


Our dissection of Norse Mythology demonstrates the utilization of gender norms to perpetuate systemic gender inequality. Take, for example, The Story of Gerd and Frey, in Neil Gaiman’s retelling of Norse Mythology. In the text, as Frey looks into the land of the giants, Jotunheim, he falls in love with Gerd solely based on her endearing appearance and indescribable beauty, reinforcing the scrutiny women receive for their appearance as well as implying that beauty is the defining feminine trait that tops everything. This is emphasized as we, the audience, first learn of Gerd for her physical attributes. Frey’s obsession and near collapse rooted in Gerd’s existence, with his inability to function without her hand in marriage, before meeting her speaks volumes. It communicates the widely used idea that the personalities of women remain unimportant, as we go through the entirety of the story without much dialogue/actions that speak to Gerd’s internal traits. This suggests that women are unable to possess a complex personality as do men with their inability to think and be considered deep. Additionally, the multiple versions of this text may provide vastly different story arcs but they connect in that they all put forth plot points that contribute to the discrimination towards women. First off, in the version Neil Gaiman used, Gerd immediately agrees to marry Frey after she meets with Skirnir. This maintains a sexist orientation while establishing the stereotype that men triumph over women and easily walk all over them, even in Skirnir’s place, who is nothing more than a devoted servant who miraculously overpowers the powerful giant that is Gerd. It additionally suggests that women are unable to stand up for themselves and have a mind of their own. Other versions of the story, however, take a much more defining stance in its themes that emphasize gender inequality. These versions showcase Skirnir resorting to threats for Gerd to have a change of heart. When considering which of the versions to use, Gaiman decides he is “going to go with the least rape-y,” using the Gerd who would rather take the hand of Frey. This quote from the author seals the deal by implying that some versions entail of Gerd’s sexual assault, becoming just another example of the systemic idea that men will always get the upper hand over women.


Even though we have briefly entered the realm of spine-chilling monsters in Beowulf, it’s not too far after the prologue that we encounter common gender stereotypes. Beowulf takes the unique route, however, capitalizing on various kennings and epithets to communicate harmful ideas that encompass misogyny present in the past, as well as present, society. Through phrases such as “gold-ringed queen,” “jeweled cup,” and “bracelet-wearing queen” that appear as soon as Welthow’s character is briefly introduced, the audience can immediately capture what the author attempts to share with them, Welthow’s focus lies within her possessions. The symbolism of lavish jewelry stemming from what she owns emphasizes the idea that women only care about materialism whether it entails jewelry, rhinestones, or shiny silverware. Beyond that of her possessions, the audience cannot begin to examine Welthow as a person, due to the lack of detail that contributes to who she is or her insides. The reader can understand, however, that Welthow is kind, gentle, and has adequate manners, all of which represent pristine feminine qualities that are seemingly most important to men who appear pleased with her with little interest in holding a deep conversation with her. Additionally, the use of having Welthow be undeniably delighted and grateful for the opportunity to serve Beowulf is striking, demonstrating that the functionality of women in society lies solely within the domestic sphere, to serve men.



The ideas of gender inequality and discrimination in popular works of literature such as Norse Mythology and Beowulf are rooted in the systems that defined gender norms in past society. At the times in which these stories originated and the transmission of oral stories began to be passed down, existed a realm in which women were confined to the domestic sphere, holding no knowledge of a world beyond tending to housekeeping. This male-dominated system encompassed men who acted as the pillars of society, hunting, fighting, and trading while women’s lives were centered on caring for children and cooking for their families. Just as in most traditional civilizations, men hold control, and thus living in such a society fostered stories that aligned with their harmful systemic structures. The intense role these well-renowned stories play in modern society, whether it’s LIT 101 or fan fictions in social media, can represent a strong factor in the way in which our society functions. Rapidly increasing technology allows for works such as those to be spread in a speedy manner, introducing ideas of misogyny to young children and influencing the minds of the next generation which is the key to our future.


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Sources:

“How Neil Gaiman Managed to Retell the Stories Norse Mythology - without All the Misogyny.” Bustle, www.bustle.com/p/how-neil-gaiman-managed-to-retell-the-stories-norse-mythology-without-all-the-misogyny-8429317.

Raffel, Burton. Beowulf. Bibliotech Press, 2012.

Gaiman, Neil, et al. Norse Mythology. Dark Horse Books, 2023.