Wealhtheow

Plot Importance
Wealhtheow is the wife of King Hrothgar and queen of the Spear-Danes. Her purpose in marrying Hrothgar was to act as a peace-weaver, uniting two clans in peace with each other.

Much of Wealtheow's role in the Beowulf text is the role of the model hostess whose actions provide something of a hosting guide for others (including her husband) to follow. She is a speech-maker, offering welcome to Beowulf and his men almost immediately. She also serves as a cup-bearer for the king, passing around a goblet of mead during a feast “[offering] the full cup/first to the guardian of the East-Danes’ kingdom,” (ll. 615-616) then passing the cup “to young and old” of the rest of the guests. In addition, she follows the tradition of gift-giving, gifting a necklace and several horses to Beowulf, and later offering the singer of the story of the Finnsburh episode gifts in accordance with their excellent performance.

Description

 * “courteous wife” who is “mindful of customs” (Beowulf ll. 613, 614)
 * model of a respected woman's place in the society