The Snake Goddess Archetype in Mythologies: Gender and Social Semiotic Analysis

Mythology captures a distinctive aspect of cultural folklore, usually emerging from the imaginative realms of ancient societies. Despite its magical veneer, myths foster profound insights into societal realities. This article explores existing societal insights into the Snake goddess archetype in mythologies from different cultures across the globe. It depicts how this godly feminine figure intersects with prevailing patriarchal structures, scrutinizing stereotypical gender roles, sexuality, and cultural attitudes. However, three foundational textbooks, A Dictionary of World Mythology (1986), Gods and Goddesses: A Treasury of Deities and Tales from World Mythology (1996), and The World Mythology Collection (2022) have been consulted that provided essential guidelines for selecting principal mythologies examined in this research. Additionally, the present study selects eight mythologies (Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, East Asia, Mesoamerican, African, and Celtic Mythology) based on three main factors: geographic locations, cultural diversity and ancient literature. In light of Social Semiotics, Representation theory, and Postmodern feminist theory and following purposive sampling this article comprehensively analyzes twelve snake goddesses across these mythologies to interpret their cultural heritage, traditions, and symbolism. Nevertheless, the concept of ‘shwarpa devi’ or Snake goddess is analysed as a symbolic representation of power, resilience, and sensuality, which is often constrained by societal expectations and culturally defined subordinate roles of women. Despite the evolving positive image and archetype of Snake goddesses in different cultures, the patriarchal society always tends to marginalize women's contributions to human civilization.