Print this page The Dark Goddesses: Feared, Revered and Powerful

Fierce, beautiful, powerful, and sometimes terrifying, the goddesses of the world's mythologies show us the many faces of feminine power. Inspired by the exhibition Feared and Revered, which travelled from the British Museum to the National Museum of Australia in 2022–23, this course explores goddesses who were celebrated not for their gentle compliance, but for their raw power, destructive capacity, and defiance of societal norms. While they inspired awe and fear,  their purpose was often to awaken, protect, punish, or all three. Together we'll travel across cultures and centuries to meet figures such as Hecate from Greece, Inanna, Ereshkigal and Tiamat from ancient Mesopotamia, Sekhmet from Egypt, the Morrígan from Celtic Ireland, Hel from Norse legend, Baba Yaga from Slavic folklore, Kali from India, Pele from Hawaii and Sedna from Inuit tradition. We'll ask what these powerful figures meant to the people who told their stories, why so many cultures imagined feminine power in this way, and how they still inspire art, literature and ideas about transformation, strength and protection. Some of these goddesses are still honoured today, and we'll approach every tradition with care and respect. 

In a relaxed, welcoming setting, bring your curiosity and your own stories, and discover the dark goddesses in good company.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Belinda Crerar (2022) Feminine Power–the divine to the demonic British Museum Exhibition Catalogue
• Jasmine Elmer (2024) Goddess with a Thousand Faces
• Sarah Clegg (2023) Woman’s Lore 4000 years of Sirens, Serpents and Succubi 
• Charlotte Higgins (2021) A New Retelling Greek Myths 
• Lisa Hamnett (2026) Yet She Lives Fierce and Fantastical Women of Norse Mythology  

COURSE OUTLINE

• Explore the role of mythology in human history and belief

• Discover and learn about the main dark goddesses from various world mythologies, and the impact these goddesses had on their respective civilisations.

• The goddesses covered will include the following plus more: 

  • Kali – Hindu
  • Hecate – Greek 
  • Innana – Sumerian
  • Sekhmet - Egyptian  
  • Ereshkigal - Mesopotamian
  • Baba Yaga - Slavic
  • The Morrígan - Celtic
  • Hel - Norse
  • Tiamat – Babylonian
  • Pele – Hawaiian
  • Sedna – Inuit

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the role of mythology in human history and belief
• Increase awareness of the main dark goddesses from various mythologies and their impact on their respective civilisations.