beowulf characters

Hrothgar

Danish king, builder of Herot, gives Beowulf leadership advce to not be prideful

Beowulf

Son of Ecgtheow, Higlac's nephew and follower, later king of Geats

Hygelac

King of Geats, Beowulf's feudal lord/uncle

Hygd

Higlac's wife

Wiglaf

Geat warrior, accompanies Beowulf in fight with the dragon, become king after Beowulf dies

Halga

Hrothgar's daughter, danish princess, married off to settle a fued—mentioned by Beowulf when he returns to Geatland

Grendel

descendant of Cain, man-eating monster who terrorizes the Danes until Beowulf kills him

Grendel's mother

swamp hag, terrorizes Herot after Grendel is killed, stops when Beowulf chops her head off

Unferth

One of Hrothgar's warriors, jealous of Beowulf, lens Hrunting, a sword, to Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother

Ecgtheow

Beowulf's father, notable warrior married to Hrethel's daughter

Aeschere

Danish nobleman, close friend of Hrothgar, killed by Grendel's mother

Hrunting

Unferth's ancient sword lent to Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother

Nagling

Beowulf's sword used in fight against dragon

Necklace

Queen Wealththeow gift to Beowulf after he defeats Grendel—a reward for honor and reputation

Heorot

Mead Hall built by Hrothgar in Denmark where Grendel terrorizes

The Wanderer

lonely guy in exile, lamenting death of his lord, learns that in order to endure hardship, one must stick close to their faith

Battle of brunanburh

battle that was victorious for the Anglo-Saxons under king Æthelstan, demonstrates bravery, leadership, and heroism

Battle of Maldon

Battle that was a defeat for the Anglo-Saxons under Earl Byrhtnoth who made poor leadership decisions. Demonstrates themes towards loyalty, value, tragic cost of heroism. Warriors fled with the earl’s horses after he died, remaining warriors died honorably in battle