Reimagining Mythological Femininity: A Comparative Study of Female Agency in Yajnaseni, The Palace of Illusions, and Modern Retellings of Sita

Abstract

This study explores the reimagination of mythological femininity through a comparative literary analysis of Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray, The Palace of Illusions and The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and Sita’s Sister by Kavita Kane. These contemporary retellings challenge the traditional portrayal of Draupadi and Sita as passive figures confined to roles of sacrifice and submission, instead repositioning them as agents of introspection, moral reasoning, and resistance. By employing first-person narration, introspective dialogue, and intertextuality, the authors restore narrative authority to these iconic women, allowing them to articulate their desires, emotions, and ethical dilemmas. The study highlights how these texts reflect feminist reinterpretations of ancient Indian epics, foregrounding female voice, autonomy, and identity within patriarchal mythological frameworks. Through a close comparative reading, the research examines how modern authors redefine dharma, virtue, and agency from a female perspective. The findings reveal that such literary interventions not only subvert hegemonic traditions but also create a feminist mythopoesis that resonates with contemporary gender discourses in India. This research contributes to feminist literary studies, comparative mythology, and cultural criticism by emphasizing the transformative potential of mythological retellings.