Women in the Epic of Beowulf Essay - 1130 Words

Women in Beowulf Are women in this poem active equals of the men? Or are they passive victims of the men? The role of the women in Beowulf is not a stereotyped one of passive homemaker, but rather one having freedom of choice, range of activity, and room for personal growth and development. The poem opens with Scyld Scefing, who came motherless to rule the Danes: than those at his start who set him adrift when only a child, friendless and cold, lone on the waves. (44-46) Scyld’s motherlessness perhaps tells the reader that the heroic, superhauman, violent deeds about to transpire are perhaps not all that compatible with women and womanly qualities like passivity, gentleness, compassion. For the same reason we see no†¦show more content†¦The Queen comes to support her king and to encourage the volunteer Geat warriors to do their very best and bravest in the combat with Grendel. Only after the Queen has given him a cup of mead does Beowulf pledge to fight Grendel to the death, . And â€Å"these words well pleased the royal lady, the boast of the Geat† (639-40). As soon as the hero made this boast, â€Å"The gracious queen, her cloak gold-laden, then sat by her lord† (640-641). So it is obvious what her purpose was – to win a firm commitment from Beowulf, thereby pleasing her king and her subjects. When Grendel had been routed, the order was then given to refurbish Heorot, both â€Å"men and women adorning the guest-house, that great wine-hall,† (993-94) working together side by side. Hrothgar that night distributed much gratitude and many gifts, then a scop sang the story of a very emotionally strong woman, Hildeburh, who lost son and brother to battle: â€Å"Beside them both the noblewoman wept† (1118). Hildeburh becomes a deposed Frisian queen and is taken back to her people, the Danes. After the scop’s recital, Queen Welhtheow reappears and encourages her husband to be generous to the Geats, and he is so. And then the queen gives gifts: â€Å"It is right that I grant you these jewelled treasures† (1225). Do I detect a hint of equality here between king and queen? No,Show MoreRelated Epic Poem, Beowulf - Women in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society971 Words   |  4 PagesWomen in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society       Beowulf, one of the most translated and reproduced epics of all time, is literature that concerns characters. While Beowulf himself is the obvious hero of this Anglo-Saxon epic, many companions and fellow travelers are mentioned throughout the text. Some of these secondary characters are almost as noble and courageous as Beowulf himself, while others are lowly cowards. Be what they may, all are captured in this timeless tale of adventure. Women,Read MoreEssay about Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf1585 Words   |  7 PagesRole of Women in Beowulf As an epic tale of heroes and monsters, Beowulf gives its readers much excitement and adventure, but Beowulfs importance is more than just literary. It offers many insights into the beliefs and customs of 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 and other men in the meadhall. WealhtheowRead More Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society932 Words   |  4 PagesRole of Women in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beowulf, the hero of Anglo-Saxon epic, had many adventures, and many companions and fellow-warriors are mentioned throughout his story. Some of them seem noble and courageous, truly living up to the standards of their culture; some seem cowardly. But all have gained immortality in the words, many times transcribed and translated, of the famous epic. However, the women of the time are rarely mentioned in Beowulf. Still, even from those fewRead More Women in the Epic of Beowulf and in Other Anglo-Saxon Poems Essay1909 Words   |  8 PagesThe Women in Beowulf and in Other Anglo-Saxon Poems      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Are women in these poems active equals of the men? Or are they passive victims of the men? The roles of the women in Beowulf and other Anglo-Saxon poems are not always stereotyped ones of passive homemaker and childbearer and peaceweaver, but sometimes ones giving freedom of choice, range of activity, and room for personal growth and development. Beowulf makes reference to Ingeld and his wife and the coming Heathobard feud:Read MoreA World Without Women : Why Beowulf Needs Women Characters1562 Words   |  7 Pages A World Without Women: Why Beowulf Needs Women Characters If there were no women in our world, our world would be drastically different. There would be no men born; men that are destined to be great warriors and kings would not exist. If there were no women in our world, there would be more war and less peace. There would be loneliness and less joy. Women are the heart and soul of our society. Without women, everything would fall apart. The roles of women in Beowulf are not vast: give birth, getRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Heroes984 Words   |  4 PagesIn terms of epic poetry, the word â€Å"epic† depicts a lengthy poem containing heroic events (Hirsch 1). For one to be classified as a hero, one must display certain qualities and experience events that prove a character’s heroic potentials. Epic heroes are somewhat similar to superheroes, yet they are also different. Like epic heroes, superheroes endeavor challenging events to protect civilians and defeat villains. While the two types of heroes are broadly alike, epic heroes a re generally an evidentRead MoreAnglo-Saxon Literature Was Composed Between The Years 6501510 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween the years 650 and 1110. Beowulf is one of the most famous epics written during this time. It’s also known as the oldest surviving Germanic epic and the longest Old English poem. Most stories written during this time were about the deeds of warriors, heroic acts, and religion. Beowulf is a warrior from the Geats who is asked to come protect king Hrothgar from an attack by a sea monster named Grendel. All of these characters are men. There are very few epics from this time that put any focusRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By Joseph Campbell1038 Words   |  5 PagesEnglish epics were not written about women due to the fact that women did not need to go on a journey to find their womanhood. This thought by Joseph Campbell is somewhat true in the specific epic of Beowulf. This thought is true because all of the women do complete the role of giving noursishment or giving birth. However Wealhtheow, Hildeburh, and Grendel’s mother also overstep the social roles of women. First and Foremost, Wealhtheow, King Hrothgar’s queen, proves the truth that women have basicRead MoreFree Will And Religion : An Epic Hero1478 Words   |  6 Pagescase in the epic poem, Beowulf. The story’s protagonist must endure many trials throughout his journey as an epic hero, defeating his opponent each time. However, Beowulf believes it is not his own strength, but the will of God that he is able to become victorious. As his journey through life continues, from warrior to king, fatalism is present time and time again in all his actions. In Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, the theme of fate dictates the outcome of each battle Beowulf must overcomeRead MoreThe Importance Of Female Heroism Through The Epic Of Beowulf1660 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf is known for displaying the importance of male heroism via Beowulf, but what about the significance of the women in the poem? The significance of women in Beowulf is overshadowed by the great heroism o f the character Beowulf, but the women each have a reason for participating in the epic. The ideal woman was someone who was a noble, a mistress and loyal. An ideal woman is described in Maxim I: â€Å"at mead drinking she must at all times and places approach the protector of princes first, in front