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Women In Beowulf Essay

Decent Essays

The Hero’s of Beowulf

After reading Beowulf, critics all over have disputed weather women in the book had a role in such a masculine and brutal environment and time period. The argument is most likely due to the hero being a male, thus minimizing woman’s roles. Though their appearance is limited through out the play, we can discover they have significant importance still. In this essay, I will offer insight on several women and their significance in Beowulf, providing evidence of how they do serve a central role. A number of women revealed in the play are: Wealtheow, Hygd, Hildeburh, Freawaru, Thyrth and Grendal’s mother. Within this elite group of women are two queens known as Hygd and Wealtheow. Both are wedded to kings which, …show more content…

Following Grendal’s death, Wealtheow gives a celebratory speech to Hrothgar and then Beowulf. She makes sure that Beowulf does not become the heir, and tries to make Hrothulf inherit this position. This goes to show that she is looking out for herself by not letting someone from outside the family take over. Hrothgar does not have any further imput and does not dispute the suggestion, thus suggesting she has some influence on the king. When she addresses Beowulf, she tells him to accept the gift she gives to him. Through this gesture we can suggest that she is a great hostess. Also, in Old English, noble women tended to give gifts which showed reciprocity. To finish off her speech, she reveals confidence as she says “the noble men, having drunk, will do as I ask.” (652)
This line strongly suggests her dominance in the kingdom. Yet again, we see political power among women when Hygd tries to pass the kingdom onto Beowulf. After his death, she steps in and tries to make important decisions that her late husband would have made. These examples all show that these women in the play are not benign at all. These women host men in the hall, give gifts, and even have a say in politics

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