Zuleikha

Zuleikha is a figure from Middle Eastern and South Asian folklore, appearing in various adaptations of the ancient tale of Layla and Majnun. Although her name is often paired with Layla's as part of the title of the epic, her individual narrative is less well-known. In this context, Zuleikha is often portrayed as the antagonist, embodying the constraints and obsessions of societal expectations placed upon women.

In the original story, Zuleikha is referred to as the faithful wife of King Chosroes, the ruler of Persia. However, her loyalty is tested by the love she shares with Majnun, a poet who has contracted unrequited love for Layla, a woman forbidden to him due to their social differences. Zuleikha's actions are driven by her desire to reunite Majnun with Layla, despite the disapproval of her husband and the societal norms that govern their world.

Interpretations of Zuleikha's character in the Layla and Majnun narrative vary, but she is often seen as a symbol of individual freedom, feminine agency, and the complexity of human emotions. While often vilified, her actions are also understood as motivated by love and a desire for social change. Through her story, the narrative explores tensions between the expectations of public life and personal desire, especially for women in patriarchal societies.

The character of Zuleikha has been reimagined in numerous retellings of the Layla and Majnun epic, often emphasizing her fierce devotion to Majnun and her willingness to challenge societal norms on behalf of their shared passion. In these variations, Zuleikha is frequently portrayed as an independent and unapologetic agent, subverting expectations about the roles and behaviors of women in the time period.