Who is Wealhtheow? She is Hrothgar's queen, we know that much. But aside from numerous qualities praising her to this extent, that is all we know. And yet she is vastly important. For all that she is relationally ambiguous, she is hugely important to the first two parts of the story. Hrothgar rarely appears without her, and her presence is much more than just silent feminine existence.
Notably, in a passage following the fatal injury of Grendel, Hrothgar "strode glorious / from the women's chambers" (is this a shameful place to be? this is where he has been in hiding) "with a great entourage, / a chosen retinue, and his royal queen with him / measured the meadhall-path" (lines 921-924). In the day of victory, Wealhtheow emerges triumphant alongside Hrothgar. It would seem that during a time of danger, he was actually taking refuge in the women's quarters, in her domain where she would assume a dominant protective role. We are told earlier that "The war-chief wished to seek Wealhtheow, / his queen's bedchamber" (lines 664-664). Whether there is a sexual refuge implied here or not, Wealhtheow is definitely given the authority of being Hrothgar's safe space when he doesn't want to die a horrible death at Grendel's hands.
Additionally, during the celebratory feasting, it is Wealhtheow that we hear speak, far more than anyone else. We are told of the gifts Hrothgar gives to Beowulf, but it is Wealhtheow who provides the poet with commentative narrative within the story. She is the character strong enough to present gifts along with compliments and well-wishes for their use. "Beowulf, beloved warrior, wear this neck-ring..." (line 1216). Et cetera.
The real clincher in her position as a powerful female figure in her community is her behavior as hostess. She concludes the short speech begun above thus: "The troop, having drunk at my table, will do as I bid" (line 1231). This is her party, and she knows it.
It seems that Hrothgar is as much defined by his queen - and by her constant strong presence - as he is by Heorot or the persecution from Grendel. She is quite literally the power behind his throne.
Leah, I agree that Wealhtheow is "the woman behind the man", but I wonder what she thinks or does about Hrothgar's inability to deal with Grendel? Several possibilities come to my mind. As you rightly point out, Hrothgar spends a lot of time in the woman's chambers. Does he go there to hide from his responsibilities, seek comfort from Wealhtheow, ask her advice, to make love, or a combination of all of these? Or, does she compel him to stay there to fulfill her needs (whatever they may be) and as a result, Gredel goes unchecked? It seems, judging by the poet's reverential treatment of Wealtheow, that she would be bothered by Grendel's rampage. Why then does she seem unable to motivate her husband to do anything about it? Is she selfish in keeping Hrothgar to herself, or is she sympathetic towards Grendel (consciously or subconsciously), or does she not even try? The poem does not give us answers, nor does it attempt to, but it is a troubling aspect of her character and her role.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite troubling that Wealhtheow does not or cannot motivate her husband to fight back more against Grendel. I'm tempted to say, though, that it has something to do with her role as an exemplary female character. Whereas Grendel's mother takes up arms to revenge her son when there is no man to do it, Wealhtheow keeps to her place managing hearth and home and lets the men worry about manly things like violence and bloodshed. I don't think it necessarily has to be her place to motivate Hrothgar - he should be able to take care of things on his own, and if he doesn't, it's not her fault at all.
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