Women In Beowulf

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More Power Than A King 2 One can say that the active role women play in Beowulf is rather minimal and that they are confined to the task of playing hostess to the adventure seeking men. This, was not the case especially when one looks beyond the surface. Women throughout Beowulf play the important role of peacemaker and often give gifts and honor, both of which are very important in this culture. Without women the world Beowulf is set in would have been a maelstrom of chaos and war.

Women who play the role of peacemaker usually abide by confinement . This is because in the Medieval Ages women were not allowed much freedom. As the age went on more women started to express their opinions and perform greater roles in …show more content…

Kings would offer their daughters as gifts to avoid going to war and build alliances. Women were so vital to peace and happiness they needed to be properly looked after, even confined. If a woman was not taken care of, the king would be accused of making things pejorative. Thus setting peace negotiations back to a standstill. To secure women were to give birth to a child, interweaving the bloodlines, thus creating a peace pledge. A peace maker has great power, this exemplified by Wealtheow, and Hygd. are seen as wise leaders, and equals to men. As Beowulf celebrates his victory over Grendel, Wealtheow stands up and makes a speech celebrating Beowulf. This just shows a glimpse of the power she has in the court and around the men. Grendel 's mother is also considered a powerful female figure in Beowulf.

Grendel 's mother is shown as a very devious, and powerful mother. She embodies her masculinity and does not perform to social standards. She fights her own battles, whereas in the Anglo-Saxon society only men fought battles or sought vengeance. She is an outcast because of the fact she does not conform to society 's view of a woman. She is very hostile towards guest, and uses violence to solve everything. When Grendel, her only son,her last companion in this world dies she feels the need for vengeance. Unlike the other Grendel 's mother was very sacrilege and had physical power

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