The roles of "men" and "women" within the context of heroism in epics the Odyssey and Beowulf

One of the most frequent topics in epic poetry in Western Literature includes the concepts of adventure, success and courage of male heroes. Women, on the other hand, were generally excluded from the heroic quest and were represented as back figures overshadowed by heroes. However, a closer look at epic poetry obviously shows that there are lots of wise women mentors, guiding and protecting goddesses, self-sacrificing or sacrificed women to whom heroes owe so much for their reputation. Additionally, the defeat of female or feminized enemies also contributes to the ideal male heroism. In this respect, it becomes necessary to reevaluate women's role and function in the construction of heroism from a new perspective. Through tracking the female figures, who were left behind the heroes in epics The Odyssey and Beowulf, this thesis aims to make women visible and reveal their share in the success stories of Odysseus and Beowulf.