Dublin Core
Title
Strength
Identifier
49
Symbol Item Type Metadata
Symbol name
Strength
Symbol Description
Fortitude personified as a woman represents the idealized, abstract use of strength. This woman is often shown wearing the attributes of men, such as armor, or Heracles' club, or in this case, breaking a pillar with ease. Allegorical women of the 16th century are often displayed partially unclothed, but with no shame attached to nudity. Fortitude is often depicted with heavy temple columns, like Samson. In the tarot pack, the eleventh enigma shows a queen easily overcoming a lion, a feat similar to breaking a column. This alludes both to the Zodiac-Leo vanquished by Virgo-and the myth of Hercules overcome by Omphale. This symbolizes the triumph of intelligence over brutality; conversely, it denotes insensibility and fury.
Sources
Cirlot, p. 315