Question

Who is Hrothgar's Queen Wealtheow, whose name means "foreign slave"? What does that imply?

A. Grendel's mother; she was enslaved by Grendel
B. Hrothgar's first wife; she was captured in a raid
C. Hrothgar's second wife; she was a captive bride
D. Beowulf's mother; she was enslaved by the Danes

Answer 1

Wealtheow, Queen in 'Beowulf,' was Hrothgar's wife, symbolizing a peace-weaver rather than a literal slave. She was likely married for political alliance.

Step-by-step explanation:

Queen Wealtheow in 'Beowulf' is King Hrothgar's wife, and while her name translates to "foreign slave," this does not literally mean she was a slave. Wealtheow, Queen in 'Beowulf,' was Hrothgar's wife, symbolizing a peace-weaver rather than a literal slave. She was likely married for political alliance.

The name likely signifies her role as a peace-weaver or a queen who was married to create an alliance between tribes or nations. Thus, the correct answer is C. Hrothgar's second wife; she was a captive bride, which implies that she was married off for political reasons rather than being someone's literal slave.