Beowulf Characters :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulf CharactersSchyld Scefing He is the send-off great index of the Danes, and upon his death he is given a remarkable burial at sea. He eventually becomes the great-grandfather of Hrothgar who is world-beater during Grendels attacks upon the Danes. Beowulf A thane of the Geat king Hygelac and eventually becomes tycoon of the Geats. Hrothgar King of the Danes at the time of Grendels constant attacks. During is reign as king he builds the hall (Heorot) as a tribute to his pile and his peaceable reign. Heorot The great hall that Hrothgar builds in celebration of his reign. Grendel A descendant of Cain and a man/monster, Grendel attacks Heorot after Beowulfs arrival. Beowulf eventually kills him, with his severed arm hung as a trophy in Heorot. Wulfgar A loyal thans of Hrothgar, Wiglaf is a watchman for the Danes and the first to greet Beowulf and his men to the land of the Danes. He also deems the Geat visitors as people worthy enough to meet with Hrothgar. Ecgtheow He is Beow ulfs father. He is a Waegmunding by birth and a Geat by marriage. When he was younger. Unferth Unferths name means dissension. He is a thane of Hrothgars who taunts Beowulf in the hall about his swimming conflict with Breca. However, Beowulf shames him in the boasting match. Wealhtheow She is Hrothgars queen and the mother of his two boys. Her name comes from the Anglo-Saxon words for treasure bearer. She actually has the duty of presenting necklaces and mead-cups at court. Sigemund Known as a famous dragon slayer, he is an ancient Germanic hacek whose story is recounted after the fight with Grendel. Heremond An ancient Danish king who aviate from grace and became ruthlessly evil king. He is used by Hrothgar as a bad example of bad kingship for Beowulf. Hildeburh She is an ancient Danish princess who was hook up with into the Frisian royalty. Her story is recounted during the second feast for Beowulf at Heorot. Her brother and her son were both killed in a war with the Frisian s at Finnesburh. Hrothulf Hrothulf is Hrothgars younger brother. Wealhtheow calls upon him to defend her young sons if it necessary to do so. Grendels Mother The of the man/monster Grendel she comes to Heorot quest vengeance for the death of her son, and is killed by Beowulf. Aeschere He is one of Hrothgars important officials and indisputable thanes.