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Roles Of Women In Beowulf Essay

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Known to be the oldest surviving English epics, Beowulf was written in the sixth century by the Beowulf Poet. The combination of blood feuds, Paganism, Christianity and gender roles has led historians to believe that the Anglo-Saxons and monks had an influence on structuring and forming the narrative. A classroom classic, Beowulf tells the story of a heroic king fighting against evil until his death. Like many countries during Medieval times, England also did not give women as many rights as men. Though women were not of much importance, as thought by the Dark Age people, the small female role seen in Beowulf had a large impact on the central idea. Women in Beowulf, played three major roles, the hostess, peacemaker, and monster, giving modern society an insight of Anglo-Saxon culture. To begin, the hostess, portrayed by the Queen of Danes, symbolizes hospitality and social activity. The monarch’s character is portrayed as everything a queen should be and an “embodiment of hospitality and good taste” seen through the banquets she hosts in Herot. An …show more content…

Three examples of the role of women in Beowulf are the hostess, peace-weaver, and monster. The hostess, played by the Queen of Danes expresses the hospitality, authority, and respect given to a few women of status. In addition to the hostess, the peace-weaver bonded two clans through birth symbolizing peace and equality for both groups. Opposite to the peace-weaver and hostess the monster in Beowulf reflected through the thoughts of ancient society. For example, a female that did follow the duties of women would be known as an outcast in the village. Thus, Grendel’s mother may be a metaphor describing women who did not fit the ideal female.To conclude, the three main roles played by women in Beowulf correspond with the Anglo-Saxon culture, giving readers an understanding on the ancient

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Women are an essential part of many British works. Although women are typically given the role of minor and less significant characters in British literature, they serve a greater purpose than that of which is initially perceived by the reader. Grendel’s mother in Burton Raffel’s, Beowulf, and the female creature in Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s, Frankenstein, are two noteworthy characters that are overlooked, but the roles they play and their influence are important to the storyline. Although she is monstrous and is described as having masculine features and actions, Grendel’s mother is a peaceful and loving being at the core.

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In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.

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Beyond Beowulf’s role in history and its role in literature, it also plays a role in church history, as a Christian text. Beowulf is often seen as a Christian character who holds his moral and virtues above all else. The growth of the church in Anglo-Saxon England greatly influenced Beowulf; in fact, Beowulf himself is a figure of Christ in this epic poem. The conversion of Anglo-Saxon England to Christianity stands out in history.

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In Beowulf, the most prominent theme is the duty. A duty to be fulfilled by the person that is assigned to. It gives characters in the poem unique identity because of their devotion to duty. This means the warrior must fulfill his obligations to protect the people of the land and risk his life for their king. It also applies to women, in Beowulf, a woman's duty is to entertain the men as well as to serve a symbol of peace.

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While reading Beowulf, one might think that Wealhtheow’s role in Beowulf is insignificant, or that she is merely an extension of Hrothgar, the Danish king. But after studying her character, the queen of the Danes clearly holds a far more powerful role than at a first glance. Her speeches are brief, but full of meaning and authority, and her astute counsel is often relied upon by Hrothgar. While she plays only a small role in Beowulf, Wealhtheow demonstrates that women played an integral part in medieval culture. Wealhtheow’s wisdom and respect is apparent in her role as the cup-bearer.

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The story of Beowulf has to do with a Hero who is the leader of the Geats. Beowulf had three major battles: Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon. As it is in most stories the hero always wins. Beowulf did whatever he had to do to win. He did not win easily, but he made it happen.

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Women of the Medieval Times Women have always had a significant role in history even though they were treated horrible in most cases. During the Medieval Times was really the first time women were allowed to become more than just a house wife. The fight for equality has always been a struggle and even in today’s society is still an ongoing battle. Although women of lower and middle class were treated poorly in the Medieval Times, some powerful women held great responsibility and were looked up too by both men and children; despite being admired, “men were thought to be not only physically stronger but more emotionally stable, more intelligent, and morally less feeble” (Hopkins 5). “The position of women in the Medieval Society was greatly influenced by the views of the Roman Catholic Church” (Heeve).

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Beowulf reflects the traits that conformed to their masculine norms . While sorrowful Hrothgar laments the deaths caused by Grendel’s mother, Beowulf urges him to “not grieve” and to “avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (1384-5). However, earlier the epic alluded to a story about a princess named Hildeburh who after losing her husband, child, and brother, was “waylaid by grief” (1081). There is a definite contrast between how men and women are expected to confront loss- according to the patriarchal values, men avenge and women weep. Therefore, Beowulf is even more of an ideal masculine hero because he adheres the the Anglo-Saxon gender roles.

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Very little is known about the epic poem Beowulf besides that the story was told during the Anglo-Saxon period, specifically between the years 500-1100. The author is unknown, due to the fact that the story was originally told verbally and not documented until much later. Like many stories told throughout the ages, Beowulf consists of many archetypes. An archetype is a recurring symbol found in literature, such as the Hero archetype. In this epic poem, the hero, Beowulf, travels from his homeland to Denmark to save a kingdom from an awful beast that has been attacking men late at night for over twelve years.

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Medieval literature portrayed women as either proper or monstrous. Lanval, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Beowulf all carry the pattern of women’s roles throughout the period of time. In Beowulf, women are portrayed in two ways, confined and unconfined. The women that adhere to the roles of wives, mothers, and

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