Exploring Dark Goddesses Across Cultures in Tales of the Dark Feminine by V Castro

 Tales of the Dark Feminine: Inspirational Stories of the World's Fiercest Goddesses by V. Castro

Tales of the Dark Feminine book cover

Author V. Castro 

Many thanks to Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy of V. Castro’s magnificent collection of female-centered folktales and myths Tales of the Dark Feminine: Inspirational Stories of the World’s Fiercest Goddesses. I’ve been meaning to read some books by V. Castro, and recently read her excellent contribution to the family centered horror anthology Roots of My Fears. Castro’s story, “The Veteran”, was one of the best in that collection- it’s heartfelt, scary, and surprising, yet she manages to capture the terror in brief and sudden moments, while there’s some underlying tension in the scenes between the action. In some ways, many of the stories from this collection follow a kind of similar pattern and contain some shocking and unexpected turns. 

This book has a lot to love, especially if you are a fan of horror or mythology. There are tales from many different cultures, regions, and historical periods. The tales in this book feature goddesses from ancient India, Greece, Egypt, and Japan. There are also Aztec, Celtic, Welsh, and Norse goddesses. Castro identifies the ways that these goddesses wield their power to either get what they want, solve a problem, or help another person out. She uses tales as examples of their power and not necessarily caring about what others think or how they look. While some of the goddesses are attractive and use their beauty as a means to an end, others are hideous and monstrous like or elderly, yet ultimately prevail in exacting a kind of justice or balance in their world. Throughout these stories and character studies, readers will recognize how women experience both a kind of marginalization, but also are ultimately able to either rise above these kinds of disputes and limitations or find some characteristic or quality that empowers them and brings them a sense of relief or justice. What I really enjoyed about each selection was that they were accompanied by exquisite black and white drawings, almost like wood carvings or reliefs. Each drawing depicted the goddesses demonstrating their power or managing the issues they encountered with their unique qualities or characteristics. Following the story, each goddess was accompanied by an explanation or background about their story, their history, and/or their culture. These were brief descriptions, usually lasting 1-2 paragraphs. I loved that Castro often included further reading for each of these stories, suggesting some books or source texts that served as the inspiration for her own stories about these goddesses. Each of these was then followed by a brief analysis or reflection on the message or meaning of the goddesses’ power and how these stories would relate to modern women. I also really enjoyed this aspect of the book as well since Castro’s analysis was thoughtful, succinct, but also creative and unique. Even when these goddesses faced death, destruction, the loss of children, or violence, Castro identifies a key point or idea to take away and apply to our own lives. It’s something that I found helpful as a reader, but also something that will bring me back to revisit these stories. 

It's hard to say what my favorite story was throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about some of the myths and goddesses I was already familiar with like Athena, Medusa, and Hecate. Castro is able to recreate these myths to make them more story-like. I also loved learning more about some of the goddesses and myths I maybe had heard about before or did not know about at all. For example, the story of the Krasue, a Thai-ghost like woman who haunts a modern woman’s home, was creepy, bloody, and gross; however, it was one of the best in the book. It was atmospheric and eerie. I actually remember seeing a Filipino movie about a similar kind of ghost, and Castro notes how the Krasue was also found in other cultures in Southeast Asia. I also loved reading about the Afro-Latin goddesses like the Orishas like Oshun and Yamaya, whose spirits and stories travelled across the oceans and wound up being celebrated in Brazil and Cuba. The Mictecacihuatl, a goddess of the Aztec underworld, was fascinating to learn about. Castro’s story, like the Krasue story, includes a woman from modern times who is able to encounter and learn from the goddess, rather than fear her. The story of Yuki Onna, a snow witch, was a story I read about in Hearn’s Kwaiden, a book that Castro also recommended. It was also made famous in a 1960s Japanese horror movie, so it was cool to read about Castro’s own story and her interpretation of the meaning of the story. While most of the stories were dark and feature the kind of violent irony that serves as a harsh teacher, not all of them were this dark. For example. The story of the Pomba Gira was uplifting and hopeful. Similarly, I loved reading about Maman Brigitte, who is a Loa found in Vodou-type religions. She shares some similarities with other deities but also serves as a kind of protector or source of justice for those who have been wronged. 

Tales of the Dark Feminine is an excellent book that I would love to revisit. I read a digital version, but I can only imagine how amazing these pictures look in a physical book. I also think this is the kind of book that would serve as a great reference or source for creativity, as it seems that Castro developed her own interpretations and ideas about the meanings of these goddesses. I could see this book used in a classroom for students to reference and develop their own stories that highlighted a goddesses’ superpowers or her influence on mortals, as well as the kind of lesson she might teach. I think it would be a great book especially for reluctant readers who maybe cannot always see themselves in the readings or maybe get bored with stories that seem irrelevant or to lack action. These stories are brief and succinct. Although not always appropriate, a teacher might need to make some editorial decisions depending on the age of the students. Nevertheless, the book would be a great addition to any library or collection. Tales of the Dark Feminine is engaging, educational, and entertaining. I really enjoyed the stories and learned a lot from them. Highly recommended!