Comparing Beowulf's Speech To His Lord Hygelac

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The Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf is brimming with feats of archetypal heroism. The titular character engages in feats of strength, slays monsters, and ultimately sacrifices his life for the common good. Yet, in the final third of the poem the author uses a digression to create a more rounded character that understands the importance of politics and social alliances. Beowulf’s speech to his lord and uncle Hygelac after his victories over the beast known as Grendel and his mother, illustrates this shift towards a more civic-minded character that places importance upon relations within tribal society over his own glory. The digression takes place as Beowulf moves from heroic youth toward aged leadership, and serves to portray Beowulf not only as …show more content…

The betrothal of Hrothgar’s daughter, Freawaru to the son of the Heathobard chieftain, Froda weighs heavier on Beowulf’s mind. Hygelac makes it clear that he earnestly desires news of Beowulf’s deeds: How did you fare, beloved Beowulf, In your journey, when you suddenly resolved to seek a far-off strife over the salt …show more content…

Within his speech, Beowulf speaks highly of Hrothgar’s queen: At times the famous queen, bond of peace to nations, passed through the hall, urged on her young sons; often she gave twisted rings before she took her seat. (2016-19)
Beowulf clearly admires Wealtheow and understands her importance as a “bond of peace to nations” (2017). Beowulf’s regard for Wealtheow shows that the character sees great value in the role of women within his culture. This broader frame of mind in regards to gender roles makes the character a more realistic representation of a man within Norse culture given that the status and function of women in Norse society was perhaps a bit more complex than they were in the author’s own time. Beowulf’s speech pays similar respect to Hrothgar’s daughter, and the placement of this respect in the lines of his speech argues in favor of Beowulf as a more socially aware character in terms of how he views women in his culture and fleshes him out beyond the narrower archetype that he is portrayed as in earlier sections of the

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