Examples Of Patriarchy In Beowulf

Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf depicts a transition from traditional epics to what is now considered contemporary fantasy. Beowulf establishes a gendered duality of identity through ancestral heritage and individual reputation emphasizing the patriarchy. This duality is represented within all of the human characters, as well as the otherworldly characters, Grendel and his mother. All of the characters in the poem are unable to speak about their identity or introduce themselves without referring to family lineage specifically their patriarchal lineage; every male figure is known as his father’s son and the women are known by their father’s or their husband’s name. In addition to gaining power through ancestral heritage, individuals can …show more content…
For example, Shield Sheafson, the legendary originator of the Danish royal line, was orphaned; because he was in a sense fatherless, heroic deeds were the only means by which he could construct an identity for himself. Beowulf who has a lineage that is recognized still gives accounts of his heroic exploits in order to gain more reputation and increase his identity in lands that are not his own. “When I was younger, / I had great triumphs…so every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength” (Heaney …show more content…
Free will dictates his decision to fight Grendel and to venture further into the depths of an unknown lake to fight Grendel’s mother. Beowulf is his own guide when choosing whom to take with him on the journey to the lake and is equally independent when he takes up the throne and rules the Geats because of the trust given to him from the two kings due to his heritage and reputation. The decision to fight Grendel without weapons is one based not upon prophesy or fate, but rather on the desire to prove valor and sportsmanship and to gain honor and reputation: “the monster scorns / in his reckless way to use weapons; / therefore, to heighten Hygelac’s fame / and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce / sword and the shelter of the broad shield” (Heaney 31.433-7). By showing that he is willing to put down his life for his King Hygelac and for King Hrothgar, who he owes nothing, Beowulf will be rewarded significantly if he is to succeed. King Hygelac gives Beowulf one of the greatest honors in increasing his reputation in the Geat Kingdom; this allows Beowulf’s claim to the Geat throne to be through his heroic reputation rather than his ancestral lineage after King Hygelac’s blood line has died