Reimagining Women in Folklore: Insights from My Critical Essay

Blog Post 4

As part of my final year, I recently completed a critical essay that ties directly into my current photography project. The question I explored was:

“In what ways do traditional depictions of women in folklore continue to influence modern representations of gender, both in media and societal behaviour?”

This topic really helped me dive deeper into the patterns and archetypes that have followed women through history—and how they’re still present today, just in new forms.

Patriarchal Foundations in Folklore

Folklore has often reinforced patriarchal views by presenting women as villains, passive beauties, or cautionary tales. These stories—passed down for generations—have shaped how society views femininity, power, and morality.

I looked at how characters like witches, sirens, and goddesses were framed through a male gaze, and how those portrayals still echo in everything from fairytales to films.

Archetypes in Modern Media

The Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone—three key archetypes—still show up all the time in media. Sometimes these roles are subverted, but more often than not, they’re just repackaged. Whether it’s the “pure” girl next door or the “mature” woman who exists only to support others, these tropes are everywhere and continue to shape how women are expected to behave.

Real-World Impacts

These representations don’t stay on screen—they spill over into real life, influencing societal norms, beauty standards, and expectations around work, motherhood, and behaviour. The pressure to fit into these boxes is something many women experience, consciously or not.

Feminist Reimaginings

Thankfully, there are also creators pushing back. Artists like Angela Carter and Cindy Sherman have reworked these old narratives to give women more power and complexity. Their work inspired me to think about how I could do the same through photography.

Tying It Back to My Work

All of this research has fed directly into Myth and Matriarchy. By reinterpreting mythological women through a feminist lens, I hope to create images that challenge outdated ideas and offer something more layered, emotional, and powerful.

This post is just a glimpse into the essay—if you’re interested in reading the full thing, let me know! I’d love to share it and hear what you think. Do you see these archetypes in the media you consume?