Beowulf, like many epic poems, was meant to be recited orally. Speeches made during epics are rare and create an implicit aura that gives the epic its importance. This helps to alleviate the effort required. These literary lapses serve a variety of useful literary functions. They can be used to display the central characters’ natures or indicate a transition in the narrative. Speech within the poem can also be used to display power. Therefore, speaking passages are more important. Beowulf’s speech demonstrates the AngloSaxon hierarchy, as well as the implications of society’s expectations. Acts of speech in this poem give us a glimpse into the patriarchal generational dynamic of this period in history. The poem shows that the majority of women in it are small-sized and silent. Wealhtheow is exception. Although her presence may be brief, the voice the queen gives us an insight into the power and importance of women in Anglo Saxon aristocracy.
Anglo Saxon culture was rife of tales about nobility or valiant heroism. Beowulf’s story is no exception. The epic’s dissemination of spoken passages is marked by androcentrism. It emphasizes a social hierarchy built on glory, loyalty, physical prowess, and other masculine achievements. Beowulf proclaimed that Aeschere died and that the culture had romanticized masculinity and honor. Wealhtheow, despite its emphasis on status and masculinity, shows that women are more than just docile slaves. Historical context suggests that women were not excluded from agency, but they were confined to patriarchy boundaries. Heorot celebrates Beowulf’s victory over Grendel. Wealhtheow emerges from the meadhall and exudes a commanding aura. Hrothgar is treated unfairly by Wealhtheow. This demonstrates both her stateliness and wider political implications. Her role in ritual cup-bearer bolsters her primacy of queen and also allows her to speak from the platform. Hrothgar is asked to be generous by her in her request. However, she warns Hrothgar not to introduce Beowulf into the Danish lineage. Instead, she urges Hrothgar’s nephew Hrothulf succeed him, thereby ensuring her household’s continuation and reminding Hrothgar the obligations he bears towards his kin.
Beowulf may be a physical champion and a great honoree, but Wealhtheow clearly is disturbed by her husband’s rash decision to erase her lineage. Wealhtheow displays political power by securing her family’s legacy. Hrothgar’s wishes were refuted by Wealhtheow, who explains how the queen creates agency within the confines of society. Wealhtheow embodies both the maternal and loyal virtues that an Anglo Saxon woman should possess. She is a strong supporter of her king and also provides intelligent counsel. Wealhtheow delivers a speech to Beowulf in which she displays greater agency.
Although she suggested that Beowulf shouldn’t be responsible to the throne she is still able to act nobly and maintains peace between the Danes’ and Geats with the help of treasure. Wealhtheow demonstrates her male ability to allot rewards by lavishly adorning Beowulf with ornaments. Hrothgar’s future clansmen will be benefited by this kind act of generosity as she enforces Beowulf’s relationship with Hrothgar. These speaking acts, along with her speech addressed to Hrothgar reflect the queen’s active role as a court official.
Wealhtheow is placed in a role comparable to men when she presents treasure to Beowulf. She further encourages this by declaring that her queen will ask the warriors of hall “do whatever she asks”.
Wealhtheow uses speech to express her independence within social restrictions. Both her ritual cup-bearing duties and her reward for Beowulf show that she is a woman who has agency within the court. Although she is ultimately subservient to her husband, Wealhtheow plays an important role in the story’s setting. She helps her children prosper and creates political bonds for future generations.
