Damsel In Distress / Myths & Religion

• This is Older Than Feudalism, dating back at least to the Greek myth of Perseus and Andromeda.
  • The story of Hesione and Heracles is very similar to that of Perseus and Andromeda. However, Deianeira, another woman in Heracles' adventurous life, subverts it by taking matters in her hands shortly after the rescue.
  • Eurydice is in a classic Damsel in Distress situation. Unfortunately, Orpheus does not come up to expectations.
  • Subverted with Helen of Troy, who is anything but innocent in what happens to her.
• In Ramayana, Sita is a crown example.
• In Celtic mythology (Mabinogion), Branwen finds herself in this position. Subverted with Deirdre, who voluntarily put herself in the situation which was considered as distress by her fiancé.
• Downplayed in the legend of St. George and the Dragon (a tale that has otherwise many parallels with the myth of Perseus and Andromeda): The princess is delivered to the dragon and saved by St. George, but she is not physically constrained, does not ask for help, and there is no romance between the princess and George, nor does the king offer her up in marriage.

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