In the pages of the well-known epic poem there are many extraordinary and warlike narratives of the Middle Ages. Beowulf is important because it is one of the oldest European epics written in the vernacular, or native language. The seemingly supernatural heroes of this exciting and famous writing have a great impact on the typical roles of their women. As stated in many lines of the astonishing poem, women serve many purposes and perform a variety of roles. Wealhtheow, Hygd, Hildeburh, Freawaru, and Grendel's mother provide examples of the historical roles expected of women of this ancient time. Women in “Beowulf” have the significant roles of hostess, peacemaker, and mother. Many women have the essential job of playing hostess to men seeking battle. Wealhtheow is the queen and wife of Hrothgar, so she is considered a noblewoman. In Mead Hall, Wealhtheow enters with his guests guarded. The queen elegantly meets the strong men in the Heorot hall. Being influentially well dressed and bejeweled in her gold, she conforms to her duty of distributing the cup," Entered Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen, observing the courtesies. Adorned in her gold, she graciously greeted the men in the hall, then handed over the cup first to Hrothgar, the guardian of their homeland, urging him to drink deeply and enjoy it” (lines 613-617) A woman named Hygd, who is beautiful and wise also plays the role of hostess in Beowulf. Apparently, she has a much smaller portion than Wealhtheo is said to be walking across the hall, carrying the cup, but there is no set pattern to his rounds, "The daughter of Haereth moved with the jug of mead in her hand, paying attention... to the center of the paper ......t. He had snatched their trophy, Grendel's bloody hand” (lines 1303-1304 It is extremely clear that Grendel's mother is a terribly horrible creature, but her reaction to that of her son). Brutal death brings out the nature of a true mother. She plays her role as a mother very well. As stated in the opening paragraph, Wealhtheow, Hygd, Hildeburh, Freawaru, and Grendel's mother provide examples of the historical roles expected of women. of this ancient time Women in "Beowulf" have the significant role of mistress of the house, weaver of peace and mother. Despite their lack of freedom, the women of this wartime took their place in their assigned role with pride. Works Cited Unknown. "Beowulf". The Norton Anthology of English Literature. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2006