Sept 9th assignement (Beowulf)

                The role women play in Beowulf is a minor one.  Queen Wealtheow seems to be very subservient and is there to “decorate” her husband.  She was adorned in gold and jewels but did not seem to say much.  Her duty was to stand by her husband, and pour the mead for her husband and her men.  “She graciously saluted the men in the hall, and then handed the cup first to Hrothgar, their homelands guardian, urging him to drink deep and enjoy it because he was dear to them.”  The women in Beowulf were to be present to acknowledge the triumphant acts of the men and to celebrate the glory of the battles won by the great warriors.  The women were also present to hear the stories of the battles of the men and to pour the mead as the men were telling their tales.  The women did however have a bit of control on the alcohol consumption of the men because they were the pourers of the mead, but that was the only type of assertive role they played.          The role of peacekeeper also fell on the women, but not only was it a role but an identity.  The queen and other women were strong and fiercely protective mothers.  Because of Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel, he has earned great respect from the queen.  To show her respect to Beowulf, she entrusted him with the care of her sons. Queen Wealhtheow asked Beowulf  to protect her sons as if they were his own brothers.

The queens and the mothers were the one who arranged marriages between reviling clans to reinforce alliances and end blood feuds.  The women seem to be very knowledgeable of the politics going on between the different people but kept things to themselves.  End blood wars and resume peace throughout the land.

            Grendel’s mother was quite opposite of the other women, she followed the code and avenged her son’s death.  She was very quiet and made herself unknown until her son returned with a fatal injury and was quick to make those pay for the pain and suffering inflicted to her son.