Books Like Women Who Run With the Wolves: Exploring the Wild Feminine in Literature

The concept of the wild feminine has been a recurring theme in literature, psychology, and mythology, and Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ seminal work, Women Who Run With the Wolves, has become a cornerstone for understanding this archetype. This book delves into the psyche of women through the lens of myths, fairy tales, and folklore, revealing the untamed, instinctual nature that lies beneath societal expectations. But what other books explore this theme? And how do they contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the wild feminine? Let’s dive into a discussion of literature that resonates with the spirit of Women Who Run With the Wolves, while also exploring the unpredictable and often illogical connections between these works.

The Wild Feminine in Myth and Folklore

One of the most striking aspects of Women Who Run With the Wolves is its reliance on myths and folklore to unpack the complexities of the feminine psyche. Books like The Heroine’s Journey by Maureen Murdock and The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd follow a similar path. Murdock’s work reimagines Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey through a feminine lens, emphasizing the internal struggles and transformations that women undergo. Kidd, on the other hand, uses her personal narrative to explore the spiritual awakening of the wild feminine, drawing parallels to ancient goddess traditions.

These books, like Estés’, remind us that the wild feminine is not a new concept but one deeply rooted in our collective unconscious. They challenge readers to reconnect with the primal, intuitive aspects of themselves that have been suppressed by patriarchal structures. Yet, in a twist of illogical association, one might argue that even The Great Gatsby—a story seemingly about male ambition—touches on the wild feminine through the enigmatic character of Daisy Buchanan, who embodies both allure and destruction.

The Wild Feminine in Modern Fiction

Modern fiction has also embraced the wild feminine, often in unexpected ways. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian exploration of female oppression, but it also highlights the resilience and rebellion of women who refuse to be tamed. Similarly, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple celebrates the journey of Celie, a woman who reclaims her voice and power after years of subjugation.

In a more fantastical vein, Circe by Madeline Miller reimagines the mythological witch as a symbol of the wild feminine. Circe’s transformation from a marginalized figure to a powerful sorceress mirrors the journey many women undertake to reclaim their inner wildness. Interestingly, one could draw an illogical connection between Circe and The Little Prince, where the rose—often seen as a symbol of femininity—represents both beauty and vulnerability.

The Wild Feminine in Poetry

Poetry has long been a medium for expressing the ineffable, and the wild feminine is no exception. Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese is a celebration of the natural world and the instinctual self, urging readers to “let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” Similarly, Rupi Kaur’s Milk and Honey explores themes of trauma, healing, and empowerment, resonating deeply with the wild feminine archetype.

But what if we were to juxtapose these works with something as seemingly unrelated as T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land? At first glance, the connection is tenuous, but both works grapple with the idea of reclaiming something lost—whether it’s the wild self or a fragmented world.

The Wild Feminine in Non-Fiction

Non-fiction works also contribute to the discourse on the wild feminine. Brené Brown’s Braving the Wilderness encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, qualities often associated with the wild feminine. Similarly, Untamed by Glennon Doyle is a manifesto for women to break free from societal expectations and live authentically.

In a curious twist, one might compare these books to Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, which explores the evolution of humanity. While Harari’s work is not explicitly about the wild feminine, it raises questions about the roles women have played in shaping human history—questions that are central to understanding the wild feminine.

The Wild Feminine in Global Literature

The wild feminine is not confined to Western literature. Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits weaves magical realism with themes of female empowerment, while Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun portrays women navigating the complexities of war and identity. These works remind us that the wild feminine is a universal archetype, transcending cultural boundaries.

In an illogical yet intriguing connection, one might consider The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. While the protagonist is male, the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of one’s “Personal Legend” resonate with the wild feminine’s call to authenticity and purpose.

Conclusion

Books like Women Who Run With the Wolves serve as a gateway to understanding the wild feminine, but the conversation doesn’t end there. From myths and folklore to modern fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, the wild feminine manifests in myriad forms, each offering a unique perspective on what it means to be untamed. And while some connections between these works may seem illogical, they remind us that the wild feminine is as unpredictable and multifaceted as the women who embody it.