Welcome to my page for History 390! I’m an Anthropology student with a love for folklore, mythology and ancient civilizations. When I’m not delving into my many interests, I can be found hiding in library stacks studying or enjoying a sunny day in any of the local parks.
Anthropology is the holistic study of humanity. Theology and cultural customs have always intrigued me especially when interpeting them through women lead context. All aspects of myth have a purpose whether to warn, praise or serve as entertainment and I want to focus on their retelling.
I often enjoy the retelling and reimagining of cultural stories through a feminist context!
Stories about monsters are euphimisms about fear caused in reality. I love decoding their orgins!
I will be focusing on women in folklore, particularly women who are considered monsters. It is common knowledge that monsters are a tool that humanity uses to warn about potential fears. Folklore gives us the opportunity to see into the eyes of indigenous populations through their “quasi-historical” stories, allowing us to see their everyday stressors. The monster theory umbrella is vast showing us the worries of populations that strike often, are forbidden, and will return. Using the context of the patriarchy it is clear to see why women make such good monsters as they are frequently considered to be the forbidden desire of powerful men that is oftentimes “unavoidable”. Monsters can also be chaotic yet neutral forces in folklore forcing heroines to face challenges, weighing the morality of heroes or victims, as well as, dealing with the unwarranted attention from foes. The monsters I will focus on here will come from various time periods and focus on the, typically ancient, cultures they embody as well.
