This paper explains that medieval women were rather powerful and revered members of the community and identifies a number
of archetypes: mother, wife, home builder, Lady (of the Knight), maiden, goddess, and temptress. The author points out that wives of knights and nobles were given powers similar to those of the men in their families, especially if the women had been placed in charge, in times of war. The
paper relates that not all women were treated as equals, as presented in "El Conde Lucanor" where, in this story, the woman is very much the man's
servant.