Greek Mythology: Sita And The Ideal Women

Women in mythology take on a variety of role, ranging from beautiful maidens and mothers to ugly temptress and old crone hags. This spectrum is in many ways a black and white issues, but upon closer examination there exists a range of grey between the idolized and the condemned, especially within the Greek culture. Artemis, in particular represents women who are located in the middle of the spectrum, rather than the extremes. On the other hand India favors placing women at the extremes of the scale, such as Sita, who represents the ideal women in India. Despite their differences, both women are utilized by their cultures to entice female to strive and be the perfect women. Sita and Artemis are both goddesses whose personalities and actions,

Furthermore, Sita is portrayed as an ideal woman by being a flat character; while Artemis’s complex character allows her to maintain dignity and respect , despite her lack of ideal characteristics. Within the Indian and Greek communities, myths are used to influence females, particularly young girls, to behave and act a certain ways, subtly influencing them. As a result women are portrayed as either good role model that should be imitated or bad role models whose path she should never walk, least she desire to be condemned as well. For example, Sita, from the story of Ramayana, is described in such a way that her role as a perfect lady and later wife is seen as desirable, due to the lavishing praises. That if one began to act as Sita; she too would be considered an ideal woman and lavished in praises. Like when Kamavail, otherwise known as Soorpanaka saw Sita in the cottage, calling her a “beautiful Creature” , as well as claiming, “… if there was anywhere in creation…to be matched by a perfect female, here it was” (Narayan, 66). By placing Sita in a position that left to be desired young girls will feel inclined to become like Sita. Likewise

Time and time again Sita proved her loyalty to Rama not with just words, but thru her actions. Such as when Rama is sent to exile, Sita follows saying, "I’m coming with you; my place is at your side wherever you may be...” (Narayan, 53). She could have easily stayed behind, Rama even offered to let her stay behind, claiming that she was not the one exiled he was. Even so, Sita followed him, clearly demonstrating that a woman should be beside her husband. The circumstances do not matter, what is important is that a woman stay at her husband’s side, thru the good and bad times. Moreover, Sita remains loyal to Rama regardless of temptation. When Ravanna comes for Sita he offers her anything she desires, stating that, to “ I will take off my crowns and touch your feet with my brows… be my queen…” (Narayan, 87). This does not tempt Sita one bit, as she immediately calls out for her husband. Refusing advances and remaining by her husband’s side are actions which demonstrate Sita’s loyalty to Rama. In both cases she could have given in and abandoned her husband, lived a better life, but she choose to stay because she knew it was the right thing to do. As for Artemis, she does not take her virginity lightly, punishing those who threaten her purity without mercy. Such as in the story of Actaeon,