Throughout history, stories originating in different eras and areas, often share similar themes and motifs. The myth of Danaë from Greek mythology and the later fairytale of Rapunzel, are examples of this. Both narratives center around women confined in towers, exploring the themes of imprisonment, fate, and agency. And both stories have a happy ending (of sorts).
Danaë
In Greek mythology, Danaë was the daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. An oracle prophesied that Acrisius would be killed by Danaë's future son. To prevent this, Acrisius imprisoned Danaë in a tower. Zeus spotted her from above and descended into the tower in the form of golden rain. He impregnated her, which resulted in the birth of Perseus. Acrisius, unable to kill his daughter and grandson, set them adrift in a chest at sea. As fate would have it, they survived and Acrisius is eventually killed by his grandson Perseus. While this may be considered a happy ending by some, Danaë's eventual obtainment of a happy ending is unclear. If you're interested in the story of Danae, I highly recommend the fictional book by Claire Heywood called The Shadow of Perseus (2023).
Rapunzel
The story of Rapunzel emerged in European folklore centuries later. In it a young woman is locked away in a tower by a sorcerous. A prince discovers Rapunzel and climbs up her long golden hair to visit her in the tower. She becomes pregnant and the old witch punishes her by cutting off her hair and banishing her to the forest to give birth to her twins alone. Fortunately, Rapunzel is eventually reunited with her prince and they live happily ever after.
Of course, in the sanitized Disney version, Tangled, the pregnancy is omitted and Rapunzel escapes from the tower, rather than being banished. This version allows Rapunzel more agency over her story, albeit with the assistance of a male intruder.
These stores aren't the only 'Maiden in the Tower' stories to exist in folklore. According to Heidi Anne Heiner's Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World (2010), similar tales existed in France, Italy, Portugal, and South Africa. In all these stories the heroine is confined by a powerful figure who attempts to control their fate. The tower is a metaphor for protecting young women from pre-marital relationships and sex. These stories contain the common theme that true love and/or fate cannot be conquered or overridden. The birth of children in these stories represents hope, resilience, and transformation.
True love and fate are still popular themes in storytelling today. Exploring these connections between Danaë and Rapunzel reveals the enduring power of storytelling that bridges cultures and eras. Both heroines show us that even in the face of confinement, there is always the possibility of breaking free and claiming one’s destiny.
Read more about the story of Rapunzel and her golden hair here: Rapunzel let down your hair.
About the artist
Leah is a Melbourne artist who makes figurative work about womanhood. Follow her artist journey on social media @leahmarianiartspace.
References
Heidi Anne Heiner, Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World (2010).
Claire Heywood, The Shadow of Perseus (2023)
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