What did Wealhtheow do in Beowulf?
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Wealhtheow is a peace-weaver and takes an active role in diplomacy, generously presenting Beowulf with a valuable gold collar and asking him to serve as counselor to her sons. The role of women, who were still thought of as their husbands’ possessions, is limited in Beowulf.
Who is Wealhtheow in Grendel?
Wealtheow is Hrothgar’s queen, given to him in marriage as a gesture of peace by a rival king. Wealtheow’s presence at Hart exerts a calming power, easing tensions and resolving disputes between men. Her beauty and grace fascinate Grendel and torment him just as the beauty of the Shaper’s songs first did.
Who is Wealhtheow And what does she do at the feast for Beowulf?
The noble woman first offered the ale-cup to the lord of the land of East-Danes. Wealhtheow is one of the few women named in Beowulf , and she is the only woman with a substantial speaking part. Her role as queen is largely ceremonial. The poet describes her first appearance at Beowulf’s welcome feast.
Why is Wealhtheow in Beowulf?
‘ In Beowulf, Wealhtheow is Hrothgar’s queen and the mother of his two sons. She is offered as a wife to king Hrothgar in order to promote peace among the two tribes, the Helmings and Scyldings. This was typical practice among the Anglo-Saxons; women were often called ‘peace weavers.
Who is Wealhtheow in Beowulf quizlet?
Wealhtheow, Queen of the Spear-Danes and wife of King Hrothgar, appears briefly in Beowulf as the mistress of Heorot Hall.
What does Wealhtheow say to Beowulf during the celebration of his victory?
He tells the “great old stories” (869) in honor of Beowulf’s victory, including the tale of courageous Sigemund, whose killing of the dragon foreshadows Beowulf’s final battle and his death.
Who is Healfdane in Beowulf quizlet?
His father was called Healfdane (which probably means “half Dane”). Hrothgar’s name might mean “glory spear” or “spear of triumph.” one of Hrothgar’s courtiers, who is reputed to be a skilled warrior. His sword, called Hrunting, is used by Beowulf in a later battle.
Who is Hrunting in Beowulf quizlet?
Hrunting is the name of the sword that Unferth, one of the Danes, gives to Beowulf when he goes to fight Grendel’s dam (mother).
Who is Hygelac in Beowulf?
Hygelac King of the Geats and uncle to Beowulf, his death in battle (c. 520) is recorded historically, unlike most of the events in the poem. Hygd Hygelac’s queen is a perfect hostess in the style of Wealhtheow and exemplifies propriety in royalty. Beowulf is loyal to her and her young son, Heardred, when Hygelac dies.
What is Healfdane in Beowulf?
Healfdane: Danish king, son of Beo and father to Hergar, Hrothgar, Halga and Yrs.
Who is Queen Wealhtheow in Beowulf?
Wealhtheow is of the Wulfing clan, Queen of the Danes. She is married to Hrothgar (Hrōðgār), the Danish king and is the mother of sons, Hreðric and Hroðmund, and a daughter Freawaru. The meaning of her name is disputed. One possible translation is “foreign slave” (Hill, 1990).
What happens to Hrunting?
Although his sword, Hrunting, loaned to him by Unferth, fails to penetrate the mother’s hide, Beowulf discovers a giant magic sword in the cave and is able to kill the mother with it. The sword melts to its hilt after Beowulf uses it to decapitate the corpse of Grendel, which lies nearby.