The portrayal of women in mythology often reflects the prevailing societal norms and attitudes towards gender. Women can be depicted as goddesses, symbols of fertility or wisdom, while others may embody temptation or evil. Their representation can signal the values that a culture holds about femininity, agency, and power. For instance, stories may depict female characters who challenge societal constraints or reinforce traditional roles, thereby providing a lens through which to examine the evolving status of women within different cultures.