In the myths of Kali and Callisto, women are bound by a set of laws in order to be valued. Callisto is fooled and attacked by Zeus, who poses himself as Artemis to entice the vowed maiden into his arms (Callisto in Greek Mythology). Kali sobs because her honor has been tarnished by being attached to the body of a prostitute (Kailo 3). In both instances, the dignity and value the people formerly had been eroded by deeds they did not choose to commit willfully.
The civilizations’ treatment of Kali and Callisto is analogous to the prevalence of rape culture and the attitudes held toward female sex workers today. Women lose worth in current culture when they are raped or work in a sex-related business. Violence has become the norm for prostitute women, and this is seen in the innumerable deaths of sex workers, as well as verbal and physical harassment experienced in the modern world.
The Hindu and Roman civilizations told various myths, such as one about Callisto, the constellation, and the Myth of Kali, to account for the phenomena they could not comprehend. In this manner, they attempted to explain the birth of the universe, natural events or calamities, the presence of forces beyond human nature, and anything else that troubled them. The Romans would examine the skies and ponder what caused these stars and constellations to exist. These myths are taught at schools since they offer answers to eternal questions and act as a guide for each generation. Apart from being the foundation on which culture is created, they contain somber precepts or teachings. They are studied to understand more about cultural practices and ideas.
Works Cited
Callisto in Greek Mythology. “The Myth | Καλλιστώ.” Callisto. 2017. Web..
Kailo, Kaarina. “Mythic Women in the North–Between Reality and Fantasy.” Web.