Women throughout society have had many roles those of which can often be more important than men. They are seen as caretakers, nurturers, hostesses, and those who keep the peace in a home. Beowulf centers mainly on the masculine influence throughout the poem leaving little room for women to have any influence. Women are not always prominent in Beowulf, but their presence is known and role is not limited. Wealtheow is the wife of Hrothgar and the Queen of the Danes. The first time she appears in the poem is when she is giving a cup to her husband Hrothgar. Women in the Anglo Saxon period had their rights, but their main task was to honor their king and their duty as queen was to show their generosity. Wealtheow is seen often in the mead-hall where she makes her presence known making sure everyone is drinking and having a splendid time. She also personally hands the gifts to Beowulf on his return from defeating Grendel and makes a little speech. Although Wealtheow is in a man’s world she influences her husbands decisions. Another queen is Hygd. Hygd is known for her generosity and kindness. Hygd shows an example of the political power the women, or the queen have once their king is gone. Hygd has the decision to decide the next king after her husband dies. …show more content…
In many occasions throughout the poem women are married to keep the peace. Hildeburgh is the daughter of the Danish king and was forced to marry the King of the Jutes to establish peace. Her marriage is successful and she has a baby mixing the blood of the Danish and the Jutes, but in the end the two people end up fighting. Another example of a peace weaver was Freawaru. She is also Danish and her job was to unite with the Heathobards. Her attempt to marry the Heathobards is an insult because the tribes are enemies creating more tension than