Kelsie Sneegas
Mr. Nathan Fayard
WLIT 1113
15 March 2016
The Importance of Women in Beowulf Almost all of the stories we have studied this semester have been dominated by males. The protagonists, heroes, and villains are all males who carry major roles, yet they do not carry the most important ones. In the poem Beowulf, we see this heavily played out. The prevalence of women in Beowulf is limited, however, their importance is great, perhaps even more so than men. Grendel, the loathsome man-beast feared by all, was thirsty for blood. Grendel’s mother was the only one who cared for this unlovable monster. This is one reason Grendel’s mother appeared in this poem instead of his father. She lived by example, only leaving the safety of the forest to avenge the death of a kinsman (Kiernan). If Grendel followed the lead of his mother, he may had avoided the conflict between him and …show more content…
Through marriage, she united the Danes and the Frisians. However, in contrast, Hildenburh shows more of a masculine side when compared to Wealtheow. It is made obvious that Hildenburh has been through many trials. (Beowulf 1070-1185). She was living among a bloody battle, her brother was killed in battle, and her son was murdered as well. This caused for a flame of revenge in her heart. The common thread of revenge is seen in her eagerness to fight back for what she was wronged of. Because of this, Grendel’s mother, Beowulf, and now Hildenburh show similarity. Queen Hildenburh is an example of the power that women could hold during this time. Her voice is stern as she gives orders for her loved ones bodies to be burned on the same bier. People listened to her and followed her commands. By her being stern and aggressive the reader sees the portrayal of power that women hold. Hindenburh is also a great example of the multiple sides that women can possess. Women can be assertive, but they can also bring about
Mr. Nathan Fayard
WLIT 1113
15 March 2016
The Importance of Women in Beowulf Almost all of the stories we have studied this semester have been dominated by males. The protagonists, heroes, and villains are all males who carry major roles, yet they do not carry the most important ones. In the poem Beowulf, we see this heavily played out. The prevalence of women in Beowulf is limited, however, their importance is great, perhaps even more so than men. Grendel, the loathsome man-beast feared by all, was thirsty for blood. Grendel’s mother was the only one who cared for this unlovable monster. This is one reason Grendel’s mother appeared in this poem instead of his father. She lived by example, only leaving the safety of the forest to avenge the death of a kinsman (Kiernan). If Grendel followed the lead of his mother, he may had avoided the conflict between him and …show more content…
Through marriage, she united the Danes and the Frisians. However, in contrast, Hildenburh shows more of a masculine side when compared to Wealtheow. It is made obvious that Hildenburh has been through many trials. (Beowulf 1070-1185). She was living among a bloody battle, her brother was killed in battle, and her son was murdered as well. This caused for a flame of revenge in her heart. The common thread of revenge is seen in her eagerness to fight back for what she was wronged of. Because of this, Grendel’s mother, Beowulf, and now Hildenburh show similarity. Queen Hildenburh is an example of the power that women could hold during this time. Her voice is stern as she gives orders for her loved ones bodies to be burned on the same bier. People listened to her and followed her commands. By her being stern and aggressive the reader sees the portrayal of power that women hold. Hindenburh is also a great example of the multiple sides that women can possess. Women can be assertive, but they can also bring about