Several myths feature women who could be considered "bad" depending on the interpretation:
* Medea: Perhaps the most prominent example. Her actions, driven by revenge and jealousy, include infanticide and regicide. While sympathetic portrayals exist, she's frequently presented as a terrifying figure.
* Circe: A powerful sorceress who transforms men into animals. While initially seen as a villain, more modern interpretations explore her agency and resilience in a patriarchal world, adding layers of complexity to her character.
* Calypso: Though not actively "bad," her imprisonment of Odysseus is seen negatively, portraying her as a manipulative temptress who hinders his journey home.
* Helen of Troy: Her abduction (or elopement, depending on the version) sparked the Trojan War, making her responsible for immense suffering, though her role is often complex and debated by scholars.
* Stheneboea (Queen of Argos): Known for her lust for Bellerophon and her subsequent false accusations against him, demonstrating a malicious and vindictive nature.
* The Erinyes (Furies): These goddesses of vengeance are not necessarily "bad" women, but their pursuit of justice is often depicted as brutal and terrifying, making them fearsome figures.
It's important to note that these portrayals often reflect the biases of the male-dominated society that created the myths. The motivations and actions of these women are rarely presented in a fully nuanced way. Modern interpretations frequently attempt to reinterpret these narratives, exploring the complexity of their characters and challenging the traditional, often negative, framing.