MEDEA - Overwhelming pain turns to anger and revenge
The Myth of Medea
The myth of Medea is a classic tale from Greek mythology that tells the story of a passionate and vengeful sorceress. Medea was the daughter of King Aeetes of Colchis, and was known for her extraordinary skills in magic and medicine. She fell deeply in love with Jason, a prince from Iolcus who had come to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. Medea helped Jason to obtain the Fleece and flee from Colchis, but in doing so she incurred the wrath of her father and had to leave her home and family behind.
Jason and Medea arrived in Iolcus, where Jason became king. The couple was happy for a time, but their happiness was short-lived as Jason soon took a new wife, Glauce, the daughter of the king of Corinth. Medea was devastated by Jason's betrayal, and she swore to take revenge. She tricked Glauce into wearing a dress that had been poisoned by Medea's magic, and as a result, Glauce died a slow and painful death.
Next, Medea killed her own two sons by Jason, hoping to hurt him as deeply as he had hurt her. Finally, she escaped from Iolcus on a chariot drawn by dragons, and fled to Athens. There, she sought refuge with King Aegeus, who gave her asylum in exchange for her knowledge of magic and medicine.
The myth of Medea continues to be popular and has been retold in many different forms throughout history, including plays, operas, and films. It is a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that explores the destructive power of passion and the devastating consequences of wrong decisions. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to anger and revenge, and about the importance of facing the consequences of our actions.
Medea is often portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character, capable of both love and cruelty, and her story continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether she is seen as a victim or a villain, the myth of Medea remains an enduring reminder of the power of love, and of the dangers that arise when that love turns to hatred and destruction.
Medea as a Mother
Medea's actions, as portrayed in the myth, can be seen as a manifestation of her fears and anxieties surrounding motherhood. Her intense love for Jason, her husband, is a reflection of her unconscious desire for connection and intimacy, but when she learns of his betrayal, her fear of abandonment is triggered. This fear, combined with her desire for revenge, leads her to commit the ultimate act of betrayal by killing her own children.
Medea's act of killing her own children can be seen as a manifestation of her fears surrounding motherhood. Her fear of losing her connection with Jason and her overwhelming pain of abandonment are intertwined with her fear of losing her identity as a mother. Her desire for revenge can also be seen as a manifestation of her fear of being rejected or cast aside as a mother.
Furthermore, the act of killing her own children can be seen as a way for Medea to regain control over her life and assert her power. By taking away the source of her fear (her children) and her greatest source of joy (her role as a mother), she is able to regain a sense of control and power over her life.
In conclusion, the story of Medea highlights the complex and often conflicting emotions that can be associated with motherhood. It serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences that can result from unresolved fears and anxieties surrounding the maternal role. Through her story, we gain insight into the deep-seated fears and desires that can shape the experiences of mothers and the impact that these experiences can have on their relationships with others.
Please watch how I and Dr M. Kempinska analyse the myth by exploring its contemporary psychological and social implications:
(183) MEDEA - OVERWHELMING PAIN TURNS TO REVENGE & PUNISHMENT - YouTube