Queen Wealtheow Character Analysis

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Not many women stand out when it comes to ancient Anglo-Saxon stories and poems. Generally speaking most women of the ancient times were softly spoken and stayed out of the way. The king was usually left to make all decisions, and queen was solely responsible for giving birth to the kin. Queen Wealtheow challenges the stereotype in a few different ways setting her self apart from most women in ancient literature. Some of the reasons Queen Wealtheow plays such a crucial role in Beowulf are her elegant queen behavior, her “treasure bearing” attribute, and her peacekeeping characteristic. Another point that makes her very important is her foil to Queen Modthryth the Danish queen. She solidifies her role in Anglo-Saxon history as one of the most elegant and noble queens by serving her husband faithfully. Her life is about making him happy and giving him what he desires. In the Heorot Hall she passes the mead cup to all the warriors and guests as is required of the queen. For example, she is described in such a way that shows the level of …show more content…
She does this is a few different ways throughout the story, but the first and most important is her marriage. She married King Hrothgar out of an arranged agreement with her family. This marriage helped her family’s kingdom as well as King Hrothgar’s kingdom to settle a dispute. Another way Wealtheow is a peacekeeper is the way she passes the mead cup to her King and his warriors. She passes the cup as expected, but also gives the men some moral and hope that the battle they are going to enter, they will win. For example, in the Heorot hall the queen gives a speech to the king and his men saying, “Enjoy this drink, my most generous lord; raise up your goblet, entertain the Geats be open-handed, happy and fond.” (1167) Wealtheow plays a very comforting role amongst the men, and she is always making sure that everyone is okay and decently
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