Anglo-Saxon women are objects-- objects who are often given away to gain a respite from war. The Anglo-Saxon era is full of images of bloody combat between men attempting to earn fame through their exploits. But what of the women? Does history speak of strong women warriors? No, in fact, most women in Beowulf are unworthy of even a name. Women are trapped in the role of objects--those who rebel against this role become infamous monsters in societies eyes. Because Anglo-Saxon men view women as objects, they are unable to control any aspect of their lives--no matter if she is royalty or the lowest of all mothers.
Royal women’s “power” is easy to take away and ignore, thus even royalty are nothing more than objects. The widow Queen Hygd looks …show more content…
Hygd realizes a child cannot lead the clan, and thus looks to Beowulf to take over as king. Beowulf denounces the title of king and publically allies himself with Heardred (Beowulf 82-83). Hydg’s suggestion became her public embarrassment for a queen could not control Beowulf, her own nephew. Beowulf denounces her idea and it is not only to honor the late Hygelac. Beowulf objects for he must not bend to encumber a woman's desire. Why would a hero listen to a powerless object? A women cannot choose even the outcome for her child--a child thus has more power than this women of “power”. Queen Hydg and Wealthow share a common connection, both are powerless figureheads. Wealthow is the Dane Queen, yet her greatest accomplishment are offering men a ceremonial cup to drink from. Wealthow speaks to Beowulf while offering him the cup, and these discret words are a rash moment of rebellion for the Queen. When Wealthow next speaks to Beowulf, her words contradict what is seen in the text (Beowulf 41-56). According to Wealhtheow, “...[T]he carousing soldiers [are] obedient to my commands” (Beowulf 56). If these soldiers are so obedient, why has Wealthow not done more than whisper words to Beowulf and offer men a ceremonial cup?
Royal women’s “power” is easy to take away and ignore, thus even royalty are nothing more than objects. The widow Queen Hygd looks …show more content…
Hygd realizes a child cannot lead the clan, and thus looks to Beowulf to take over as king. Beowulf denounces the title of king and publically allies himself with Heardred (Beowulf 82-83). Hydg’s suggestion became her public embarrassment for a queen could not control Beowulf, her own nephew. Beowulf denounces her idea and it is not only to honor the late Hygelac. Beowulf objects for he must not bend to encumber a woman's desire. Why would a hero listen to a powerless object? A women cannot choose even the outcome for her child--a child thus has more power than this women of “power”. Queen Hydg and Wealthow share a common connection, both are powerless figureheads. Wealthow is the Dane Queen, yet her greatest accomplishment are offering men a ceremonial cup to drink from. Wealthow speaks to Beowulf while offering him the cup, and these discret words are a rash moment of rebellion for the Queen. When Wealthow next speaks to Beowulf, her words contradict what is seen in the text (Beowulf 41-56). According to Wealhtheow, “...[T]he carousing soldiers [are] obedient to my commands” (Beowulf 56). If these soldiers are so obedient, why has Wealthow not done more than whisper words to Beowulf and offer men a ceremonial cup?