Roles Of Women In Beowulf

Beowulf embodies the unification of many Anglo-Saxon values expressed throughout his heroic tale. Contrived by the mighty Northern Anglo-Saxons, Beowulf is the manifestation of their beliefs. This literary art helps the reader identify and analyze Beowulf’s ideals in a way that aids in the determination of the values of the Anglo-Saxon society. Examination of this poem familiarizes oneself about a society devoted to religion, the roles of women and war-lust beings. They idolized the warrior code - an abundance of ‘warrior like’ traits that portrayed one as noble; a fundamental aspect of life for the Anglo-Saxons.

Beowulf assists in the understanding of Anglo-Saxon religious values. The poem often alludes to God, as well as the worlds of

Despite their minimal role within the poem, women routinely act as voices of reason; in fact, women within Beowulf depict roles that only they can commit to, in order to contribute markedly towards society. One of these such women is the gracious queen Wealhtheow; exhibiting the role of establishing somewhat of a hierarchy within the mead-hall. The order you would drink from the mead cup would depict your social status. Beowulf’s rank is reflected by this as following his trouncing of Grendel as the queen gives, “The cup to him [Beowulf] and he was entreated kindly to honor the feast.” Beowulf was initially the last to receive the honour of the mead cup, however his status rose immediately after slaying Grendel- making him second only to the king. The other major feminine Anglo-Saxon ethos that enhances this poem is delineated by the devilish Mother of Grendel. Portrayal of how the civilization perceived the female warrior was outlined by the fiend. Upon her first encounter with the “heroes” of Dane, they were conflicted regarding the threat as “The force of a woman, her onset in a fight, is less feared by men,” signifying how, despite their intellectual brilliance, women were frowned upon as combatants within the society. Consequently, women were encouraged to take the role of a mother or a voice of reason as these are some of the feminine characteristics the

The warrior code limns the ideal Anglo-Saxon, as those who follows the code are destined to be immortal; their legend known to all and forever remembered. The warrior code consists of possessing the traits of bravery, honor, loyalty, respect, a mighty warrior and the belief that their ambition in life is to be remembered. Beowulf is the prime example of upholding the warrior code. Despite his initial arrogance, he proves to bestow great respect upon others; his ability in battle unmatched. Dishonoring this code can warrant a disastrous consequence for the perpetrators. A key example of this can be shown as the staunch warrior Wiglaf is praised for displaying bravery and loyalty towards Beowulf while aiding him against the fearsome dragon. Apart from being kin to Beowulf, a motive that Wiglaf has is the fact that he also desires becoming a legend; a prime instance of the warrior code. The men who deserted Beowulf during his time of need were heavily rebuked and shamed upon. Possessing the traits of an excellent person was well respected in Anglo-Saxon society, however owning traits of an excellent warrior set you