The collection of stories Lady Reason tells to Christine is revolutionary. The women in her tales aren’t portrayed as deceptive and manipulative, good for playing house, making babies, and being shown as trophies. They are noble, strong, and wise while still maintain elegance and charm.

Furthermore, while male characters (so far) have been portrayed as having either valor or wisdom, many of the female characters are well-rounded. Not only do they command respect and authority, they also use their intelligence to guide their power more effectively. Queen Thamaris is described on pg. 792 as “noble” and “as brave as she was wise”. The hot-headed, rash decisions we see in male-dominated epics are not to be found here.

Even the female “wisemen” aren’t limited to one skill. Nicostrata was gifted in divine inspiration and prophesy, laid the foundations of Rome and had the mental prowess to consolidate a language (Latin) with its grammer and syntax that was used as the foundation for many of the popular languages today. (pg 798-799) It seems that women, when they put their minds to good, can have the best of both worlds. Their intelligence guides their power leading to less pride-spurred or rash decisions that they would later regret. This leads, ultimately, to the female heroes having a longer life, greater accomplishments and grander legacy. It’s a shame the legacy is stifled by men too intimidated to uphold it.