Part 3 – The Labyrinth Resolved

Home as Battle Ground – One of the most unique aspects of the Heroine’s Labyrinth is where the final battle takes place. Whereas the male-oriented hero confronts a Distant Dragon in a far off land in order to save his Native Culture from oppression, the heroine confronts a powerful Minotaur right at home. Her battlefield is usually inside her Native Culture, and often inside a domestic abode or home-like environment.

The Shield-Maiden – One of the most powerful themes of the heroine is the dual mssion of her final battle. Not only must she defeat the Minotaur, heroines often interpose themselves between the dangerous Minotaur and a defenseless person, who is typically inside the room with her. This proximity to a second potential victim of the Minotaur changes the dynamic of combat and generates an inspiring decisiveness to the heroine’s actions. She does not act out of self-sacrifice because the heroine must survive to achieve both goals. If she fails, the fragile life behind her will be captured or destroyed. Powerful.

Slaying the Minotaur – In the end, our heroine usually defeats the Minotaur and saves the endangered life behind her. Despite all the confusion, the targeted deceptions, the misdirection, and then brute force, the heroine triumphs. The death of the Minotaur represents the end of a tyrannical reign within the Native Culture. The heroine sets free and life returns.

Atonement with Self – Whereas the male-oriented hero often atones with his father, the keeper of tradition and embodiment of the Native Culture, the heroine must atone with herself. She has been mired by doubts, failures, and feelings of guilt or weakness. Often, it is the heroine, not the mother figure, who defines the archetype for future generations. The heroine must forgive her failings, accept her strengths, and embrace her transformative powers within the Native Culture. 

Master of the Labyrinth – The heroine is recognized for her heoric actions. The oppressive power of the labyrinth is destroyed and th Native Culture is saved. She often receives validation from both the Native Culture by her prowess and conviction to defeat the Minotuar. She also receives a second validation from the person she defended during her combat with the Minotaur as well. Even in the Ancient Greek mythology, it was Ariadne who solved the Labyrinth.