Thetis: Beyond Maternal Norms. Understanding the Concept of Motherhood through Representations of Thetis
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Abstract
In Greek mythology, Thetis, mother of Achilles, defies the traditional archetype of the ideal mother figure, portrayed instead as a complex deity with layers of strength and resentment. Often overlooked in her role as a nurturing parent, Thetis emerges from the retellings of the Iliad as a powerful goddess whose wrath and vindictiveness towards Achilles’ mortal lineage reflect her divine origins and agency. This article explores how Thetis’ character evolves beyond maternal norms, reclaiming her place as a formidable force in both mythological narrative and maternal dynamics.
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