Because women could not fight, they were given lesser roles in society. They gained respect by becoming wives, mothers, and peace-keepers.
While men were fighting over land and seeking vengeance for their brothers, the women maintained the household. When the men came back, the women were there to bring comfort and peace. Women were used as objects of peace. When one warring leader did not want conflict with another leader, one of the leaders would give the other his beautiful sister or daughter. This would form familial connections, giving the men a reason not to attack eachother. However, peace would not last long, for hatred was more powerful than family ties.
Men viewed women as possessions, and the more beauty and connections one had, the more valuable she was. Wealtheow was definitely a prized possession for her beauty and motherly qualities.
1 comment:
This is incorrent according to my teacher women and men were equals. In Anglo- Saxon culture women were hereos and warrios too.
Post a Comment