How have myths and fairytales shaped feminist thought? Explore the power of folklore, its symbols and role in today’s society. With Q&A.

We often say history is written by the victors, and more often than not, those victors were men. For centuries, men’s lives were more visible, more documented, and more likely to be recorded in public and written spaces. As a result, history tends to reflect their experiences far more than those of women.

This talk isn’t about blame; it’s about alternatives. Folklore, oral narratives, and myth offer powerful ways to explore the lives, beliefs and aspirations of women across time. From stories of the otherworld to rituals, customs, and tales passed down through generations, these narratives open up new ways of understanding voices that history often overlooks. In re-examining these stories, we not only reclaims hidden aspects of the past – we gain a richer, more layered view of the present, and the possibilities of the future.