The fearless girls of our stories are free spirits who possess the same awe-inspiring qualities of self-confidence, strength, wit, and independence usually attributed to heroes, not heroines. In our heroines lives, love at first sight is a thing of myth. Love must be earned through acts of commitment and affection, and, vitally, by mutual respect. Our heroines are happy to be loved, but not at the cost of being claimed as someone else’s property. Of course, being free-spirited and independent minded isn’t always easy or popular. It never was. Strong women in fairy tales and folk stories are often painted in a negative light, as sinister stepmothers, evil stepsisters, wicked witches, or hideous trolls. Luckily, the girls in our stories couldn’t care less what other people think. They’ve got their lives ahead of them, and they’re going to lead them in the way they want to, whatever anyone says. After all, why shouldn’t girls be as fearless, fabulous, and free as men? Why shouldn’t girls be heroes too?
The Tale of Brave Bradamante and Her Amazing Flying Horse
Long ago, there lived a mighty knight, the bravest woman in all of France. Her name was Bradamante, and her fame quickly spread far and wide. A fine and fearless warrior, she rode on a fabulous flying horse. It was a magical creature with an eagle’s head, talons, and wings. What was more, she fought her enemies with an enchanted lance that unhorsed any villains who dared to fight unfairly. She wielded a sword so fiercely that it was a brave person who dared to take Bradamante on. One day on the battlefield, Bradamante found herself fighting alongside two young men. They were named Melisso and Ruggiero. Melisso was strong and brave, but Ruggiero’s fighting skills were so good, they almost matched Bradamante’s. After fighting together for several days, Ruggiero and Bradamante fell in love and planned to marry. However, Bradamante’s parents had their sights set on their daughter marrying a wealthy nobleman, not a soldier. Despite her pleas, they refused to give their blessing to a marriage to Ruggiero. Finally, a determined Bradamante laid down a challenge- she would only marry a suitor who could match her in combat move for move and blow for blow. If her parents could find her a nobleman who could do that, she would marry him.
Comprehension Questions
1. Who were strong women typically portrayed as in fairy tales?
A. Heroes
B. Evil witches, trolls, stepmothers
C. The beautiful princess
2. Why did Bradamante lay down the challenge for her parents?
A. She was bored
B. She wanted to choose her own suitor
C. She did not want to marry
A. She was bored
B. She wanted to choose her own suitor
C. She did not want to marry
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.