The Shield-Maiden

In one of the most heroic expressions in all of fiction or mythology, the heroine’s great battle contains a dual mssion. Not only must she defeat the brutal minotaur, heroines often interpose themselves between the minotaur and a defenseless person, who is typically inside the room with her. The heroine tends to intervene deceively whether she’s prepared for the confrontation or not. It makes no difference.

The heroine’s proximity to a second potential victim of the minotaur changes the dynamic of combat and generates an awe-inspiring decisiveness to her actions. She does not act out of self-sacrifice because the heroine must survive to achieve both goals. If she fails, the minotaur not only wins, but fragile life behind her will be captured or destroyed. Symbolically, the heroine, herself, becomes a physical shield against the forces of violence and destruction in the world. She holds her ground and she stands face to face against brute power. So powerful.