Beowulf is much more than an epic tale of heroes and monsters. Beowulf is a tale that offers many insights into the beliefs and customs of the seventh century Anglo Saxon culture. Among these insights is the Anglo Saxon view of women and their role in society. Good Anglo Saxon women are peaceful and unassertive, greeting guests and serving drinks to the warriors. Wealhtheow, the queen of the Danes, represents a typical subservient Anglo Saxon woman. Contrastingly, Grendel's mother is a strong and combative monster whom Beowulf must kill. By analyzing these two characters in Beowulf, we can understand the treatment and mistreatment of women in Anglo Saxon society.
The author creates Wealhtheow to embody the role of a traditional Anglo Saxon woman. She serves as a peacekeeper in the ever-tumultuous Heorot meadhall. When the author first introduces Wealhtheow she immediately falls into her role as peaceful greeter and cocktail waitress. Upon Wealhtheow's entrance into the meadhall she " . . . speaks her peace words. . . steps to the gift throne and fetch[es] to her king the first ale cup" (IX). Wealhtheow then proceeds through the meadhall "offering hall joy to old and to young with rich treasure cups" (IX). When Wealhtheow first approaches Beowulf and the Geats, she " [bears] him a cup . . . with gold gleaming hands [holding] it before him graciously [greeting] the Geats" war leader" (IX). The author then reinforces that she is a member of the weaker gender by directing Wealththeow to her proper position behind the .
king. When the queen is not serving drinks or greeting guests, she may usually be found obediently following Hrothgar throughout the meadhall waiting for hope news.
However, as queen, Wealththeow shows her intelligence and ability to control men, to some degree, despite her limited powers. The author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo Saxon woman to include gift giver and guardian of the throne.
Beowulf-Christianity or Paganism Beowulf was written in England sometime in the 8th century. ... Beowulf is depicted as a superhero. ... By this time Beowulf is an old man. ... The dragon in Beowulf spits fire with such intense heat that it melts Beowulf's shield to his body. ... The dragon is Beowulf's last and greatest battle. ...
In the Anglo- Saxon time period in which the novel, Beowulf, was written, women were seen to have specifically only one role that was what made them who they were. In Beowulf, one can see how women were looked down upon by the roles that the few female characters played. ... Grendel's mother portrays extremely vicious actions against Beowulf throughout the scene to show the inelegant and man-like features women had during that time period. ... Along with Grendel's mother's actions, the characteristics that were given to her, and also to Beowulf himself throughout the passage, di...
Unferth tries to ruin Beowulf's glory by telling everyone Beowulf lost a swimming match against Breca. ... For example when Beowulf defeats Grendel; "Halfdanes son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift." ... Her behaviors show how a women and a queen should act during this time period. ... It seems women were not allowed to things that men would normally do. 13. ... To Beowulf, Wiglaf must have proved himself enough for Beowulf to honor him to be leader of the Geats. ...
Grendel's mother longs for revenge against Beowulf. ... Beowulf, the king for 50 years, fights a dragon to attain jewels. ... Beowulf brings forth this ideal image of a superhuman. ... She may be a "natural" mother, but she represents the opposite of what that culture seems to have valued in women (Perrello p 2). ... Beowulf comes forth to fight Grendel's mother and this fight initiates the change of Beowulf into this monster. ...
In Beowulf's speech to Hrothgar (1383-1396) Beowulf reprimands the King for his fears, and reminds him of the heroic code by which they lead their lives. ... ""(1395-96) Did Beowulf scolds Hrothgar because Hrothgar voiced Beowulf's innermost fears and misgivings? Is that why Beowulf dared to lash out at a king? ... For many reasons there's something wrong with this picture: first, it isn't typical for women to be brutal fighters, since they're typically nurturers, and second she doesn't fight like a woman should, women are usually sneaky and use poison. ... When...
Luizza's translation of Beowulf. As well the many Germanic elements of Christianity and discuss the roles of women in Beowulf. ... In turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his own king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts. ... Much of Beowulf is devoted to articulating and illustrating the Germanic heroic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity, and political skill in kings; ceremoniousness in women; and good reputation in all people. ... Performances like this are presented in Beowulf by Hrothgar's cour...
Beowulf seems to interact with women only on the political level because the only females that he comes into contact with are those of higher stature. ... The women's role is to create peace and perform good deeds. ... On the other hand Sir Gawain interacts with women in the exact opposite way as Beowulf. Sir Gawain's interactions with women is on an intimate level, rather than a political level. ... Her extreme assertiveness and seductiveness in this situation shows the women in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" as being very different than those of "Beowulf". ...
Among these insights is the Anglo-Saxon view of women and their role in society. Good Anglo-Saxon women are peaceful and unassertive, greeting guests and serving drinks to the warriors and other men in the meadhall. ... By analyzing these two characters in Beowulf, we can understand the treatment and mistreatment of women in Anglo-Saxon society. ... Other female characters in Beowulf suggest a masculine fear of female rebellion that requires forcing nontraditional Anglo-Saxon women into their appropriate roles. ... The author's views on women may never be fully revealed, but it is clear t...
Beowulf as hero of the time Every hero is known for taking a big journey. ... Beowulf is there, watching Grendel, waiting for him to strike. The creature picks up a warrior and swallows him completely, then decides to strike Beowulf but Beowulf seizes his vicious claw and holds on to it. ... This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. ... At the ceremony, Beowulf's body is burned on a pyre, as the women wail and the men share stories of his bravery. ...
