Women In Beowulf

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Recommended: Roles of women in beowulf

Ashley Scott
Professor Larson
LITR405
31 August 2014 Women Held an Important Role too
The noble King of Danes is furious with a demon that has been killing all of his men. To avenge the deaths of his great knights he awaits the arrival of the well-known, strong, and prideful Beowulf to save his kingdom. Beowulf then arrives and kills the demon Grendel that has been bringing such tragedy to his land. Not long after his slaying of Grendel, does his mother seek great revenge upon him, which she fails him. Finally, Beowulf becomes king of the land after defeating both of the demons. Even though men held an important role in Beowulf, women seemed to be represented with little strength, but the women during this time proved otherwise. Beowulf: …show more content…

The men state they have the ability to change, especially Thryth, being descendent of the king, if they choose to. These statements all support the women did as they chose, not because they had to “or else”, not slaves but free will as the men. The only characteristic difference was the men fought in strength of body, whereas the women fought with strength of love, loyalty, peace and family values. These are critical values and characteristics for the women of Beowulf, without them there would be disorder, death and other dreadful consequences. To perceive these women of Beowulf in the other light, they were dominated by men, and expected to fulfill their roles in society. By not doing so they became exiled from society and not accepted anymore. They were expected to either make peace or act in a royal way, upholding promises made by the men. The women for the most part were passive, obeying and following in men’s shadows. When any dared to become aggressive, independent, they could and sometimes did become a …show more content…

After considering the times and how society filled and expected roles as today’s society chooses rules and laws, the women were merely filling and carrying out their position in society. Just as today’s women a few women mentioned show they are individualized and will not choose to follow what society expects. The following suggests that Beowulf were not slaves or subservient, rather they were their own person and chose freely. These women and their positions were vital to their tribes and the success or failure of their positions was imperative for their people to

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