I am many things but if you are to find me interesting, it shall be through my art and literature. My works are genre but made believably surreal. Erotica, horror, action-adventure, science fiction and realistic fantasy are my usual fare. At first glance, my fancies may appear gratuitous, but I assure you: I love what I do or I do not bother. My every endeavor is undertaken with zeal and care. I am mindful of every aspect, yet I indulge wholeheartedly.
I am the connoisseur of an archetype so rare, so obscure, that I would be surprised if you have ever heard of her. Let me introduce her by saying she is the evil twin sister of the "damsel in distress." Because she has no proper name, I call her the "useless henchwoman." Like the fair damsel, she is a helpless victim. Her appeal is in her misfortune. The "damsel in distress," however, is a protagonist to be rescued. The "useless henchwoman" is an antagonist to be expended. Both women are comely, but the one is to be carried away as a lover and the other, if she is taken at all, is fated to be a sex slave. The "damsel in distress" is traditionally a princess. The "useless henchwoman" is a lowly thug or foot soldier. The fair damsel is the one woman desired and sought by the hero. The female underling of villainy is desirable but disposable.
Simply put, the "useless henchwoman" is my favorite of all archetypes. I love her because she is so real, so human in her helplessness and haplessness. I am amused by her feeble struggling. I am aroused as she grunts, winces and groans. She goes limp and I ogle her sprawled body. I smirk if her expended form is tucked somewhere hidden or heaped onto a pile of her sisters. If her body is found, by one of her sisters, I enjoy hearing it is reported, "We have an intruder," or "the prisoner has escaped." Dead or alive, the henchwoman is delightfully inconsequential. Unlike her pampered "princess" twin, she is a working class "girl-next-door" just doing her job. She loses everything and the world barely notices and never cares. We can relate to this unnoticed girl of art and fiction. Let us appreciate the simple wonders she has to offer, for she alone fills her neglected niche.
The "damsel in distress" is a beloved archetype. However, this "useless henchwoman" is intriguing. There is a guilty pleasure in seeing the enemy expended, and she seems to fulfill this role sexually...
ReplyDeleteIndeed. The fair "damsel in distress" is an innocent victim whereas the "useless henchwoman" is a minion of evil. Because it is good to humiliate and destroy villains, we can celebrate the shame and doom of the comely henchwoman as poetic justice.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you compare the Useless Henchwoman to something that most people are used to, because it gives them grounds to understand them. There is something very sexy about it too. I mean sure its cool to see a bunch of Storm Troopers lined up, but if there are nearly naked females in their place, its got the sex appeal.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Contrary to the dictates of political correctness, women are sensual whereas men are savage. Expendable henchmen can be interesting, but expendable henchWOMEN are sexy!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to embrace the things you love. It is wonder to see that you are amused by that happy, little details that go along with the genre. I like those reports as well. They add charm to the whole encounter. Never let such things go. They are a part of you. Create with it!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to witness what is done for love done in vain.
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