The answer is: Peninnah

1 Samuel 1:4-6

In the tale of Hannah from 1 Samuel, understanding the characters and their dynamics gives depth to Hannah's profound struggles and deep faith. Peninnah, the second wife of Elkanah, played the role of the antagonist in Hannah’s heart-wrenching narrative. As Peninnah proudly bore children, she took every opportunity to torment Hannah, further inflaming Hannah's sorrow and shame.

Hannah's situation echoes a significant cultural context. In ancient Israel, being childless was not just a personal grief but a societal stigma, deeply tied to a woman's identity and worth. Through their rivalry, this story highlights the compassion often found amid strife; cards are stacked against Hannah, who ultimately perseveres amid strife and embarrassment.

Curiously enough, Hannah’s name itself means "favor" or "grace," which adds layers of meaning to her journey where communal support bespeaks God as the ultimate bestower of children according to scriptures. When this singing mother later gives birth to Samuel—which means "heard of God"—it serves as a profound reminder that heartaches sometimes transform into new beginnings that are a sign of divine understanding.

Moreover, the story showcases the power of prayer. Hannah's fervent plea, rising from a realm beyond despair, shrinks the gap between anguish and fulfillment. It's a beautiful nod to the idea that genuine faith often unfolds where uncertainty resides, making this narrative resonate through time as a beacon of hope for those facing despair, proving joy often accompanies fierce struggle.