Although I never
anticipated marrying Hrothgar or even living in his kingdom, I understand that
this is the best thing to do for my people. Hrothgar seems to be nice and
honorable man, but he is aging exponentially, it seems. I assume my duties in
the mead hall, so that I may please Hrothgar and the people, to keep the
alliance maintained. These men in the mead hall become excessively drunk, but I
still must keep providing the mead. After my long days in Heorot, I tried to
relax in my bed, however, the nights in this kingdom are anything but quiet. I
was so frightened when I first saw that horrible beast, Grendel, thrashing into
room! As if I came across some amount of good fortune from the gods, I was
luckily released by this monster. It seemed as if something changed Grendel’s
mind, but I could not tell what it was. After a few years, I have given birth
to 2 sons, and their father continues to grow even older. When Hrothulf
arrived, I saw him as a young man who was sad despite his health. I know that
he has worst times to come in his life, especially because I have seen so much
pain and suffering in Hrothgar’s mead hall.
I also sense some sadness in my husband. I
feel that he may feel bad that I am so young, yet he is so old and could die at
any year. Despite Hrothgar’s pity to me, I still love him and I am glad that I
am able to keep the alliance between our Scylding nation and Hrothgar’s. I am
concerned; nevertheless, that Hrothulf and and Hrothgar are trying to gain more
power. I don’t think that it is necessary in a time like this, especially with
a dangerous monster like Grendel on the prowl. One day, when a Geat arrived, I
found a new source of confidence in safety. Beowulf has the courage of a lion,
and I truly think that he could defeat Grendel. At one of the last banquets
before Grendel attacked, I noticed the fears of the men, and I still would
continue to quench their fears with large goblets of mead. I know that someday
the kingdom will be peaceful, but at the moment I still remain skeptical and hope
for happiness in my time of need.
This is great, Tyler! I think you did a wonderful job capturing Wealtheow's feelings of worry towards her husband's unavoidable aging, and her worries about how Grendel will influence her kingdom. I especially like the line "Beowulf has the courage of a lion"; I think that captures his personality perfectly. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Tyler! I like the voice you gave the Queen, it seemed very sincere while still holding the formality that she would have in writing. I had thought she would be more traumatized by the Grendel thing but I actually liked the matter-of-factness that you gave her because it matches the times very well and she definitely could have just seen it as another day in court life. I also like the kind of dryness she has while talking about them all getting wasted. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said he is "aging exponentially," and I thought that was funny. I think this was good portrayal of Wealtheow!
ReplyDeleteThis is good work, Tyler. I enjoyed the font that made it seem like the Queen was thinking this, as opposed to speaking it aloud. Her uncompromising loyalty to her family (first her brother, then her sons) was really captured in your work. It was almost as if you are Wealtheow, sewing and pouring mead in your husband's mead hall. I could be convinced that indeed the character was based off of you.
ReplyDeleteI like how the queen is concerned about about the power of Hrothgar. Something you would't think she would be concerned about. You write well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kendall. Aging exponentially. Nice touch. A strong piece and a good series of posts.
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