The Dual Faces of Femininity in Irish Mythology: а Corpus Analysis of Female Mythologemes

This study investigates the dualistic representations of femininity in Irish mythology through a corpus-based analysis of prominent female mythological figures. By categorizing female mythologemes according to positive and negative archetypes, the research examines their historical significance, linguistic evolution, and ongoing relevance within contemporary cultural discourse. Employing Google Ngram Viewer and Sketch Engine, the study quantitatively tracks the frequency and semantic shifts of negatively framed figures, such as the Banshee, Witch, Cailleach Beara, and Morrigan, in juxtaposition with their positively framed counterparts: Áine, the Sidhe, Étaín, and Airmid. The findings reveal a nuanced landscape wherein certain mythologemes have undergone reclamation and reinterpretation within feminist and neo-pagan contexts. In contrast, others remain culturally marginalized or relegated to niche spheres of influence. The study underscores the dynamic interplay between language, mythology, and gender identity, illuminating how mythological archetypes adapt to evolving cultural discourses and reflect shifting societal values.  

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