Early Medieval

One of the most famous works from the Early Medieval period is the story of Beowulf. In this story marriage is mentioned as a way of bringing peace between two warring tribes. In this story Beowulf is skeptical of the validity of the use of this tradition. He is validated in his belief when a bride that has been married off runs off to return to her kinsmen. This shows that men and women were not seen as equals in marriage. Men were seen as more important and and superior to their wives. Women were seen more as commodities to be traded to help promote peace, and not as individuals to make their own decisions in who they would marry.