Representations of Women’s Power and Divinity in the Myths of Tai Peoples

Abstract

This article examines female characters in the myths of the Tai peoples which represent power and divinity of women in the Tai’s societies. Twenty myths of the Tai peoples both in literary and oral traditions were the subjects of the study. The findings revealed the four main representations of women as 1) creator and the earliest human ancestor; 2) food producer and nurturer; 3) cultural leader; and 4) medium between the human world and the divine world. These representations reflect the Tai peoples’ society and culture. Women were represented as 1) the divines, having supernatural power, powerful beings; 2) abundance of food, creators of life, caretakers; and 3) supporters and followers of Buddhism. The female characters in the Tai myths symbolized faithful Buddhists and strong supporters of the religion. The findings also emphasize significance of the myths as a cultural tool for a better understanding of cultural women’s roles.