The more positive the transformative symbolism, the less bodily and physical it appears. Here the feminine attracts and inspires the ego/hero to become more daring and heroic, to perform great deeds to rescue or honor her; her attraction and/or danger literally transforms him for the better. These deeds often involve the conquest of Terrible Mother figures, representing the devouring aspect of the unconscious, as can be seen in the following vase painting showing Perseus battling a sea monster to rescue Andromeda. In all these images and narratives, the sexual component in her attraction is downplayed, and the hero typically “marries” her, thus taking control of her sexuality and fertility.

detail of Apulian amphora, 350-340 BCE; Getty Museum

Transformative figures become positive through subordinating their sexual allure to the masculine in marriage or by renouncing it altogether, as can be seen in this depiction of Mary Magdalen, usually identified as the repentant adulteress of the New Testament (though this identification is now disputed), kissing the feet of Christ.

detail of 14th century panel; Siena Pinacoteca

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