Women in Beowulf

Women in Beowulf The role of women in society has been fluctuating for as long as society has existed. From homemakers, to manual laborers, to writers and actors, nowadays it seems women can do it all. But it was not always like that. J.R.R. Tolkien, who was an Old English scholar and whose work was greatly influence by it, asks one of his heroines what she fears most. Éowyn replies, “A cage. To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire” (The Return of the King). In this essay, I plan to explore the roles of women in the epic, Beowulf, and divide them into two categories, hostesses and peace-weavers, then show how the women who fulfill these roles act as foils for those who don’t through the language used to describe them. Arguably, there are six women who play a vital role in the central plot of Beowulf. Wealhtheow is Hrothgar’s wife and queen of the Danes. She is “mindful of customs,” (613), “of excellent heart,” (624), and “sure of speech” (624). Hygd is Hygelac’s wife who is “wise and well taught” (1927). Hildeburh is the daughter of the king of the Danes who is married off to the king of the Jutes. Freawaru’s role is told through Beowulf as she is also married off to prevent war. Queen Modthryth is described as a terrible woman guilty of many crimes. Lastly, Grendel’s mother does not even get her own name because her role is solely to avenge the death of her son.
The term most commonly used when addressing women is ‘wīf’. By itself, the term simply means woman, or wife. The fact that the two are interchangeable is a very early indication of the role women typically had. This word, in a few variations, happens eight times over the course of Beowulf. The first time it appears is in line six hundred fifteen, “ond ðá frèolíc wíf ful gesealde,” (and then the noble lady gave out full cups.) In this case, the term ‘wíf’ in conjunction with ‘frèolíc’ denotes a term of respect, namely