Myths and tales shape marketing more than you know.
From Prince Charming to Greek Goddesses: how ancient stories influence modern brand storytelling and more.
Despite what some argue, males unquestionably dominate the world. From the cradle to the grave males represent the archetype for both men and women.
Marketing pros (along with the film industries and everyone living on spreading dreams) know it well, plus how using myths and narratives contributes to moulding our identities, dreams, and choices.
So I asked myself: is there a female version of Prince Charming?
Here is a short journey into the topic and some food for thought.
Upon examining the subject, it becomes evident that a direct female counterpart to the “Prince Charming” archetype is not readily apparent in traditional folklore and mythology.
However, this investigation reveals intriguing comparisons between the depiction of women in myths and fairy tales.
Fairy tales often portray heroines as passive “damsels in distress,” awaiting rescue by a gallant “Prince Charming” figure.
In stark contrast, Greek mythology presents women as more dynamic and self-sufficient characters, frequently aiding male protagonists in overcoming their trials.
Notably, Greek myths sometimes feature women like Ariadne and Medea who assist the male hero, only to face abandonment or mistreatment afterwards.
This narrative diverges significantly from the typical “happily ever after” conclusions found in fairy tale romances.
Contemporary retellings of Greek myths have emerged, focusing on the perspectives and experiences of female characters such as Circe, Ariadne, and Medusa.
Below: some well-known examples that align with the theme of Prince Charming or Ancient Goddesses in marketing.
These modern interpretations aim to imbue mythological women with greater agency and empowerment.
Do modern authors use these mythological female figures to challenge conventional gender roles which seem to represent an important issue in modern society?
While a direct female equivalent to Prince Charming may not exist, this quick exploration suggests that mythological portrayals of women tend to be more nuanced and multifaceted compared to the often one-dimensional “damsel in distress” trope prevalent in fairy tales.
After this brief journey into the subject, here’s the food for thought.
- Why is the myth of the male hero still used in marketing and advertising after centuries?
- Are you aware of its influence on your choices as a consumer and individual?
- And how does the figure of Prince Charming influence the education of girls worldwide?
- Will we ever be able to break free from the power of stories and myths that shape education from early childhood and impact our identities or is the human being supposed to keep using myths to shape their identity?
