The Importance Of Female Heroism Through The Epic Of Beowulf

Beowulf is known for displaying the importance of male heroism via Beowulf, but what about the significance of the women in the poem? The significance of women in Beowulf is overshadowed by the great heroism of the character Beowulf, but the women each have a reason for participating in the epic. The ideal woman was someone who was a noble, a mistress and loyal. An ideal woman is described in Maxim I: â€Å"at mead drinking she must at all times and places approach the protector of princes first, in front of the companions, quickly pass the first cup to her lord’s hand†. The significance of women in Beuwolf is a minor detail in the epic, but proves to be vital to Beuwolf. The epic of Beowulf illustrates three major roles for the women in†¦show more content†¦According to Michael J. Enright, because of this she is seen as â€Å"an extension of and a support of his kingly power†[3]. Then, she passes it to the rest of the knights, and finally to Beowulf. He promises to get rid of Grendel, and Wealhtheow, pleased with his words, returns to her seat. He is the last man to receive the cup because he is a newcomer, a foreigner that just arrived to Heorot. Because of this, Hrothgar needs to show his power, by receiving the goblet first, in the presence of the stranger Beowulf. This act makes Beowulf aware of who is the master of the place. When Wealhtheow offers the cup to the king first, as usual, and right after that to Beowulf. Since he kept his promise and killed Grendel, he has risen in status now. He has the honour to receive the mead cup right after the king, in representation of his newly earned status. The other hostess-queen is the young and beautiful Hygd, king Hygelac’s wife., she is contrasted in the poem with the legendary queen Modthryth and her innate cruelty and wickedness; because of her gentleness and kindness The importance of order in the distribution of the cup is present again in Hygd’s first appearance (1980-83): â€Å"Hà ¦reth’s daughter moved through the spacious building with mead-cups, cared for the people, carried flagons ofShow MoreRelatedRole Of Women In Beowulf1039 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the novel Beowulf, women can be looked at as unimportant, but from Campbell’s excerpt one can see how the role of women in Beowulf is as essential as the role of men. Throughout the course of Beowulf, many men take part in acts of protection, bravery, and sacrifice, but what many do not notice is the roles women have taking part in those same actions. Although women’s acts of protection, bravery, and sacrifice in this novel seem to be minor and not as celebrated as the men’s acts, theyRead MoreMlan Vs Mulan790 Words   |  4 PagesUsually, an epic hero consists of being a male (female) of noble birth, courageous, actions determine the fate of a g roup, and some tend to have â€Å"supernatural† powers. There’s an article called â€Å"Beowulf versus Batman† that describes the type of modern culture where an Epic hero is described to be a leader whom has the authority and passion that is more substantial than ours. However, nowadays the modern-day heroes contribute to more than few of these preferences. In addition, we all have witnessedRead MoreAnglo-Saxon Literature Was Composed Between The Years 6501510 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween the years 650 and 1110. Beowulf is one of the most famous epics written during this time. It’s also known as the oldest surviving Germanic epic and the longest Old English poem. Most stories written during this time were about the deeds of warriors, heroic acts, and religion. Beowulf is a warrior from the Geats who is asked to come protect king Hrothgar from an attack by a sea monster named Grendel. All of these characters are men. There are very few epics from this ti me that put any focusRead MoreBeowulf And The Germanic Heroic Code Of Values, Traditions, And Customs1522 Words   |  7 Pagesreflects upon daily life and society during the time that the story was composed. Beowulf, an epic poem, is one of the most important and only works of Anglo-Saxon literature. Much like a fable, the epic poem of Beowulf had lessons that taught the people within this society how to behave. This essay will outline how the importance of Christianity and the Germanic Heroic Code in Beowulf are revealed throughout the epic poem as important aspects of the Anglo-Saxon culture as a whole. The Germanic warriorRead MoreEssay about Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf1585 Words   |  7 PagesRole of Women in Beowulf As an epic tale of heroes and monsters, Beowulf gives its readers much excitement and adventure, but Beowulfs importance is more than just literary. It offers many insights into the beliefs and customs of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon culture. Among these insights is the Anglo-Saxon view of women and their role in society. Good Anglo-Saxon women are peaceful and unassertive, greeting guests and serving drinks to the warriors and other men in the meadhall. Wealhtheow