A Comparison of Women in Beowulf, Widsith and Icelandic...

Women in Beowulf , Widsith and Icelandic Sagas Are women in these poems active equals of the men? Or are they passive victims of the men? The roles of the women in Beowulf, Widsith, The Saga of The Volsungs, and the Saga of King Hrolf Kraki are not always stereotyped ones of passive homemaker and childbearer and peaceweaver, but sometimes ones giving freedom of choice, range of activity, and opportunity for personal growth and development. Let us first of all consider the roles of women in the classic epic poem Beowulf. In Beowulf the hero makes reference to Ingeld and his wife and the coming Heathobard feud: in that hot passion†¦show more content†¦Chickering says that women in the poem had â€Å"all the dignity and standing they commanded in Tacitus’ day,† when they were greatly respected and sought for their sound advice (264). Queen Welhtheow was giving such advice to King Hrothgar concerning his sons’ succession to the throne: Accept this cup, my noble lord, gold-giving king; be filled in your joys, treasure-friend to all, and give to the Geats your kind words, as is proper for men; in your generous mind, be gracious to the Weders, remembering the gifts you have from all tribes. I have been told you would have this warrior for your son. Heorot is cleansed, bright hall of rings; use while you may your gifts from so many, and leave to your kinsmen the nation and folk when you must go forth to await your judgment. Full well I know of my gracious Hrothulf that he would rule the young men in honor, would keep all well, if you should give up this world before him. I expect he will want to repay our sons only with good once he recalls all we have