Introduction
In the epic poem Beowulf, male heroics importance is stressed, and women's appearances are minimized (Porter, 2001). Even though women's appearances are brief and limited, in this epic, they play essential roles in society. Women such as Hygd, Grendel's mother, Hildeburrh, Modthryth, Wealhtheow, and Freawaru are the female characters in the poem and had different roles to the entire society of Anglo-Saxon (Porter, 2001).
Role in Helping to Host Parties and Celebrations
Hygd and Wealhtheow, who were married to kings, had a role in helping to host parties and celebrations in the hall, like ensuring is happy and have a nice time (Porter, 2001). In society, women had a supreme part in diplomatic affairs and banquet hall. As women were not permitted to participate in physical fights, they had to find social and diplomatic skills. Especially those who were to control the hall of people. Therefore, it is not of surprise as the poet outlines Wealhtheow as dignified and queenly (Porter, 2001). They help in indicating the hall ranking system as they must hand out the mead cup. Thus they retain their respect and decorum in their responsibilities as ladies, wives, and peacemakers of the hall.
When women in society get old enough, they were married and spent their life with their respective husbands. In the poem, Freawaru and Hildeburh are the female characters' peacemakers. They were fixed in a union to people from a tribe that was thought to be enemies to end feuds and create peace; when unity is attained, these ladies in a position to influence the groups (Porter, 2001).
Conclusion
Lastly, are we have Modthryth and Grendel's mother, who are the evil ladies in the poem. They are evil and horrible ladies that completely controvert hostess and peacemaker duties (Porter, 2001). These two ladies have no problem utilizing violence and cruelty to work on their issues and as well do not welcome people in their halls. These women are seen as aggressive and brutal as they employ the use of weapons as well as physical actions alternatively of diplomacy and language, like Hildeburh or Wealhtheow (Porter, 2001). Grendel's mother is a self-reliant, strong, and commanding woman. She defends and lives by herself. Mainly, she confronts Beowulf because she wants to get revenge on him as he killed her son. Modthryth is a wicked and scheming queen who would kill anybody who would dignify her hall. The major contrast between them is that Modthryth is a human queen, while Grendel's mother is a ghost-like monster (Porter, 2001). Thus, Grendel's mother cannot socialize with others, but Modthryth can socialize with humans. Therefore, although women in Anglo-Saxon society are under men, they have crucial roles in society.
