Queen Wealhtheow
Vocabulary/Diction
• “Wealhtheow came in, Hrothgar’s queen,
observing the courtesies. Adorned in her
gold, she graciously saluted the men in the
hall, then handed the cup first to Hrothgar,
their homeland’s guardian, urging him to drink
deep and enjoy it because he was dear to
them.” (612 – 618)
Analysis
•
•
•
•
observing the courtesies
Adorned in her gold
saluted the men
handed the cup
Vocabulary/Diction
• “So the Helming woman went on her rounds,
queenly and dignified, decked out in rings,
offering the goblet to all ranks, treating the
household and the assembled troop until it
was Beowulf’s turn to take it from her hand.
With measured words she welcomed the
Geat and thanked God for granting her wish
that a deliverer she could believe in would
arrive to ease their afflictions.” (620 – 628)
Analysis
• queenly and dignified
• decked out in rings
• offering the goblet to
all ranks
• With measured
words she welcomed
Characterization
• She is a regal queen and hostess:
– The cup bearer
• The order in which she serves the men clarifies the
hierarchy: Hrothgar gets the cup first
– Respectful to all, her primary loyalty is to the King
and her sons
Characterization
• As Queen, she is respected
– Beowulf’s formal boast is in response to Queen
Wealhtheow’s thanking God for “granting her wish
that a deliverer she could believe in would arrive
to ease their afflictions,” (627 – 629).
Characterization
• As Queen, she is allowed to give speeches and
her words are heeded:
– She gently warns Hrothgar to ensure their own
sons’ inheritance; “So while you may, bask in your
fortune, and then bequeath kingdom and nation
to your kith and kin, before your decease,” (1176 –
1179).
• Part of her role as queen is to make sure the line
continues
Characterization
• She gently and wisely advises Beowulf after
his “adoption,” thus continuing her duty to
ensure the inheritance. Like any truly wise
person, she first flatters Beowulf to make him
receptive to her counsel;
– “Be acclaimed for strength, for kindly guidance to
these two boys . . . . You have won renown . . . .
Treat my sons with tender care, be strong and
kind.” (1219 – 1228)
Imagery
Symbolism
Queen Mother
As a woman, Queen Wealhtheow
is a symbol of family: children and
the continuation of the line.
This also works to symbolize the
continuation of civilization and
culture, for these are factors which
nurture growth.
Analysis of Tone
• Through vocabulary, characterization, imagery
and symbols, it is clear that Queen Wealhtheow
is:
– Respectful, honoring the power structure which is the
foundation upon which her civilization rests; she
would never do anything to upset this.
– Nurturing, working on behalf of civilization: helping to
create ties between the powerful (Beowulf and his
King (the Geats)).
– Mothering, again on behalf of civilization, working for
a peaceful ascension to power of her two sons.
Analysis of Tone, Concluded
In short, we are to respect and admire her. She
carries all the weight of a worthy and honorable
queen. She works to better her society and
strengthen the forces which nurture it: peace
and the continuation of the line.