What roles do female characters play in the epic world?

In ancient epics women played a critical role in developing the plot, shaping the actions, and understanding the male characters. However the only purpose of women in epics is to serve the roles of being devotees to men and not having a say in society.

How are women depicted in the Mahabharata?

The women in the Mahabharata have been treated as slaves, property, chattel and commodities used for the pleasure of men. The key characteristics of women are seen as submission, suppression, obedience and silence. They are tools of male ambition.

How are women treated in Mahabharata?

Women were told to be chaste: it granted them magical powers, protection against widowhood. Men were advised to be celibate: it granted them power to grant boons and hurl curses.

Is Draupadi a feminist?

Many see Draupadi as an early feminist because of her fearlessness in confronting those who harmed her or her family. Draupadi, the wife of the mighty Pandava brothers was anything but a conventional wife; she was smart, bold and would often provoke her husbands into action.

What role do females play in Odysseus journey home?

Women in The Odyssey serve as obstacles, guides, and goals. Calypso and Circe are major obstacles for Odysseus in the story. They both keep him from reaching his goal. Calypso is a nymph who keeps him trapped in pleasure; Odysseus still wants to be with his wife in Ithaca.

Is the Iliad sexist?

In the Iliad, there are continuous examples of women being treated as an object or being treated materialistically. Women are treated as they are inferior to the men and the gods. With inferiority playing a huge role throughout the book that makes the Iliad a sexist work. …

Who are the prominent women in Mahabharata?

The Mahabharata remains a pan-Indian scripture and continues to be the inspiration for new creations in art and literature. From this legend of ‘women heroes’, McGrath brings before us, among others, Savitri, Kunti, Damayanti and Amba.

What is the role of Kunti in Mahabharata?

Kunti (Sanskrit: कुन्ती, IAST: Kuntī), also known as Pritha (Sanskrit: पृथा, IAST: Pṛthā), is one of the female protagonists of the epic, Mahabharata. She is best known as the mother of the Pandavas, the main protagonists of the epic, and the warrior Karna.

Does Draupadi have daughters?

Draupadi had only five sons in the original epic. But, according to some folklores, the Pandavas and Draupadi had six daughters. Based on several folklores, the names of their daughters are listed below: Suthanu (from Yudhishthira)

Is Sita a feminist?

In the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the respective heroines Sita and Draupadi are feminist icons, though different in situation and character. In the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the respective heroines Sita and Draupadi are feminist icons, though different in situation and character.

Who is Odysseus wife?

Penelope
Penelope, in Greek mythology, a daughter of Icarius of Sparta and the nymph Periboea and wife of the hero Odysseus. They had one son, Telemachus.