CHILD KILLER WOMEN IN MYTHOLOGY: LILITH, LAMIA, MEDEA

Abstract

Myths have remained popular in every field of art since ancient times till today. Lilith, who is mentioned as the first wife of Adam in Sumerian mythology, revolts against patriarchal structure, but is labelled as child killer in following generations and thus punished by patriarchal culture. Frequently encountered in literary works, Lilith is regarded as the first woman who started the war between woman and men by the feminists. Lamia and Medea, the two mythological figures who share the some destiny with Lilith have also been accused of child killing and punished by the patriarchal society because of their revolt against patriarchal structure.It is examined in this study how the norms as imposed to women by the patriarchal structure and those who challenge these norms are shaped and how these are reflected onto myths. The traces of the revolt by Lilith, who is considered to be first women to start the gender conflict between men and women, are followed in the study of this myth. In addition, the figures of Lamia and Medea in Greek myths are mentioned as they are found in the myths and their truthfulness is explored. It is detected in the study that the position of women has not changed in much myths as in real life.

Keywords

• Myth
• Lilith
• Conflict Between Women and Men
• Child-killer Women
• Lamia
• Medea