Editor's Choice
What is Welthow's reaction to Beowulf?
Quick answer:
Welthow, Hrothgar's queen, reacts positively to Beowulf, admiring his bravery, graciousness, and generosity. She appreciates his pledge to defeat Grendel, seeing him as the answer to her prayers. Her response is enthusiastic as she acknowledges Beowulf's heroism, which includes both traditional masculine qualities and a gentle nature. Welthow's support is significant as she becomes Beowulf's ally, expressing this by toasting him and considering it a "happy duty" to serve him mead.
In much of the relevant scholarship on Beowulf Wealhtheow has tended to be treated as a minor, somewhat peripheral character in the poem. Yet her interventions, few through they may be, are nonetheless fraught with significance. Wealhtheow amplifies and expands the prevailing concept of heroism, emphasizing its mildness and gentleness in addition to its more conventionally masculine qualities. She sees these qualities in Beowulf, which is why she responds so enthusiastically to Beowulf's pledge to rid the Danes of the bloodthirsty monster Grendel:
He addressed Wealhtheow;
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, said:
“I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea.
As I sat in the boat with my band of men,
I was meant to perform to the uttermost
what your people wanted or perish in the attempt,
in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose,
prove myself with a proud deed
or meet my death here in the mead-hall.”
This formal boast by Beowulf the Geat
pleased the lady well and she went to sit
by Hrothgar, regal and arrayed with gold.
Beowulf is boasting of his abilities as a brave and noble warrior in accordance with the expected custom. But Wealhtheow, as the wise, perceptive woman that she is, is equally impressed by his evident graciousness and generosity in accepting the challenge, qualities she regards as desirable for all men, regardless of their status.
When Welthow gives the mead-cup to Beowulf, she thanks God that her prayers have been answered and a hero has been sent to them. She acknowledges that she has put her hope in Beowulf to save them. Beowulf speaks of his intent to rid the land of the monster Grendel. This pleases Welthow, and she admires his boldness.
Welthow, Hrothgar's queen, is an astute woman whose influence in the kingdom is subtle, but unmistakeable. She plays an unusual role in this epic because women were typically abset or subservient in Angle Saxon culture and literature.
In this scene, Beowulf has just set the record straight on his swimming contest with Brecca. (Unferth tried to make Beowulf out to be a coward, but failed.) Beowulf's boldnes and spirit please Welthow, and she raises her cup to toast him and wish him joy in the feast. Welthow then pours mead for the men and considers pouring mead for Beowulf a "happy duty."
Welthow is pleased with everything Beowulf says, and she becomes his greatest ally in front of the king.
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