What Is Beowulf Role Of Women

The Women of Beowulf: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Throughout time, female characters have never played pivotal roles and do not gain recognition for what the contribute. In a book titled “The Women of Beowulf: A Context of Interpretation”, Gillian R. Overing writes that “the women of Beowulf…. are marginal, excluded figures…” Even Bernice Kliman claims that “their inferior position in society results from their lack of strength, the most important attribute when war is a constant activity.” They say, along with Dorothy Porter, make it point to say that the women depend on the men around them, only acting as “extensions to husbands” and “instruments to the kings.” The women of this epic poem are more central to the story and have
When she is first introduced, the narrator uses but positive words to describe this gracious queen, saying she is “mindful of customs” (613), “adorned with gold” (614), and “of excellent heart” (624). The main responsibility for women in this position were to carry cups of drink around and offer it to each of their guests, in this case, Beowulf and his fellow warriors. She walks through the hall, speaking with all her guests, praising them for their bravery and courage. She is not merely there just to serve the men however. She is there to represent and maintain the customs of their society. She also establishes the status of a warrior when she walks around with the mead cup. Porter makes a statement about this “cup-bearing” responsibility when she says, “This appears to be a relatively unimportant function until one reads carefully and examines how this duty is carried out.” When the Geats originally arrive Hereot, she offers Beowulf the cup last, showing him where he stands. After he fulfills his promise and kills Grendel, she gives him the cup right after her husband, the
When she first hears of him wanting to “adopt” Beowulf as a son, she is quick to remind the king that there is already someone of his own kin that is ready to take his place in time along with his two sons. She does, however, Beowulf to look after her children as if they were his brothers. Even so when Beowulf eventually becomes King, he only holds this position until the time the boys are of age to rule themselves. She stood up to her husband when she says, “I know that my own dear gracious Hrothulf will hold in honors these youths, if you should give up this world before him (1180-1183),” feeling confident that he would be mindful of their customs. No where in the poem does it say she was reprimanded or ignored when she makes her statement. The hostess, therefore, could also be seen as the voice of reason, there to encourage those around her to be their best selves and not let their greed cloud their