SEMINAR | ARCHETYPAL OLDER WOMEN IN MYTH & FOLKLORE: REIMAGINING THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE

Motivated by the transformative power of stories to challenge dominant and constraining cultural narratives, Sharon Blackie has embarked on an exploration into the dusty and forgotten corners of European Myth and Folklore, focusing on often-overlooked female elder characters.

Drawing upon Jung's concept of the second half of life, highlighting the inward journey toward self-discovery, Blackie encourages us to find our ‘inner hag,’ adopting a positive definition of the term. These characters offer alternative perspectives, fostering personal transformation. By revisiting these archetypal figures, Blackie invites us to reflect on their rich and complex qualities in shaping our own narratives.

Chaired by Carola Mathers