beowulf character guide

Hrothgar

King of the Danes, one who needs

Grendel

all things evil, terrorizes the mead hall

Grendel's Mother

swamp-hag, she wanted vengeance for her son

The Dragon

guard of hoard of treasures, killer of Beowulf

Shield Sheafson

Best king, like Beowulf but he left a legacy

Beow

son of Shield Sheafson

Wealtheow

Hrothgar's wife, queen of the danes

Unferth

Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf, Unferth is unable or unwilling to fight Grendel, thus proving himself inferior to Beowulf

Hrethric

Beowulf offers to support him becoming king but his older cousin prevents him from doing so

Hrothmund

Second son of Hrothgar

Hrothulf

Hrothgar’s nephew, traitor, antithesis to Beowulf's loyalty to Hygelac in helping his son to the throne

Aeschere

Hrothgar's trusted advisor

Hygelac

Beowulf's uncle, King of Geats, husband of Hygd

Hygd

Hygelac's wife, contrast to Queen Thrith

Wiglaf

Helps Beowulf fight the dragon whilst all the others run away

Ecgtheow

Beowulf’s father

King Hrethel

Geat king who took in Beowulf after his fathers death

King Heremod; parallel to Beowulf

Evil king of legend

Thryth

Bloodthirsty queen who becomes kinder after she marries Offa