Folklore serves as a mirror of societal values, beliefs, and cultural norms, and one of its most revealing aspects is the depiction of women. Across different cultures, women in folklore occupy diverse roles, ranging from nurturing caregivers to cunning tricksters, powerful supernatural beings to marginalized figures, reflecting both the admiration and the anxieties societies hold regarding femininity. The depiction of women in folklore is rarely neutral; it often carries embedded moral lessons, social expectations, and symbolic meanings that reveal how a society views gender roles and the balance of power between men and women. A prominent theme in folklore is the archetype of the virtuous woman. This representation often emphasizes qualities such as purity, loyalty, devotion, and maternal care. In many fairy tales from Europe, such as "Cinderella," the heroine embodies patience, kindness, and moral integrity, ultimately rewarded for her virtue through social elevation or marriage. Similarly, in Indian folklore, the figure of Savitri in the Mahabharata-inspired tales demonstrates unwavering loyalty and courage, saving her husband from death through intelligence and devotion. These narratives reinforce the idealized feminine virtues that societies value and propagate the notion that a woman’s worth is often linked to her moral and emotional strength rather than her autonomy or personal ambition. Contrasting with this archetype is the trickster or cunning woman, who challenges societal norms and wields intelligence, often in subversive ways. This depiction can be observed in European tales like "Bluebeard," where the curiosity and cleverness of a woman both put her in danger and eventually help her overcome adversity. Similarly, African folklore frequently features women who use wit to navigate patriarchal structures, such as in tales where clever female characters outsmart oppressive male figures or spirits. These stories suggest that while cunning and independence in women can be admired, they are also framed as potentially dangerous or morally ambiguous, revealing the tension between admiration for female agency and societal anxiety about women who defy conventional roles. Women in folklore are also frequently associated with supernatural or magical powers, emphasizing a connection