Women in Beowulf
In the poem Beowulf, women play a minor role. They do not wield swords. They do not
rule countries. What roles are available to women? What can women do that is heroic?
What do women experience that is unique to them? Below are listed 4 women;
summarize each woman’s story. Comment upon how each woman models an ideal of
feminine heroism. Where relevant, think about how the woman is caught in a doublebind.
Hildeburh, daughter of Hoc (pp. 71-81)
Queen Modthryth (pp. 133-35)
Freawaru, daughter of Hrothgar (p. 137-9)
Hygd, daughter of Haereth (p. 131-33, 147-49)