Women, myth, and the feminine principle

By Bettina Liebowitz Knapp

Book Description

This profound exploration invites readers to discover the transformative power of feminine wisdom through seven captivating mythological narratives spanning diverse cultures and centuries. Bettina Liebowitz Knapp guides us through an illuminating journey that reveals how ancient stories continue to offer profound insights into spiritual growth and personal evolution.

The collection opens with Tibet's epic Gesar of Ling, examining how even the mightiest hero depends upon feminine guidance for direction and strength. From there, readers encounter the Sanskrit heroine Sakuntala, whose earthly challenges catalyze her remarkable transformation from passive maiden to empowered spiritual mother. The complex dynamics between Kriemhild and Brunhild in the German Nibelungenlied illuminate the eternal dance between consciousness and shadow, light and darkness within the human psyche.

Through the Quiche Maya creation story Popul Vuh, we witness feminine energy as an active force in humanity's origins, while Racine's tragic Phaedra embodies the universal struggles with guilt, destiny, and spiritual conflict. The Irish heroine Deirdre demonstrates unwavering courage in the face of mortality, and Singer's Yentl reveals the profound strength required to transcend restrictive social boundaries.

Each narrative serves as a mirror for contemporary spiritual seekers, offering timeless wisdom about inner transformation, the integration of feminine principles, and the journey toward wholeness. This scholarly yet accessible work demonstrates how mythological heroines continue to illuminate pathways for modern spiritual development.