Beowulf Characters :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulf CharactersSchyld Scefing He is the first great king 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 king during Grendels attacks upon the Danes. Beowulf A thane of the Geat king Hygelac and eventually becomes King of the Geats. Hrothgar King of the Danes at the time of Grendels eternal attacks. During is reign as king he builds the anteroom (Heorot) as a tribute to his people and his peaceful reign. Heorot The great hall that Hrothgar builds in rejoicing of his reign. Grendel A descendant of Cain and a man/monster, Grendel attacks Heorot after Beowulfs arrival. Beowulf eventually kills him, with his part arm hung as a trophy in Heorot. Wulfgar A true 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 Beowulfs father. He i s a Waegmunding by birth and a Geat by marriage. When he was younger. Unferth Unferths name means discord. He is a thane of Hrothgars who taunts Beowulf in the hall about his swimming contest with Breca. However, Beowulf shames him in the boasting match. Wealhtheow She is Hrothgars queen and the take of his two sons. Her name comes from the Anglo-Saxon words for treasure bearer. She actually has the affair of presenting necklaces and mead-cups at court. Sigemund Known as a famous dragon slayer, he is an quaint Germanic hero whose story is recounted after the fight with Grendel. Heremond An ancient Danish king who fell from grace and became ruthlessly evil king. He is used by Hrothgar as a badly example of bad kingship for Beowulf. Hildeburh She is an ancient Danish princess who was married into the Frisian royalty. Her story is recounted during the second bedspread for Beowulf at Heorot. Her brother and her son were both killed in a war with the Frisians at Finnesburh. Hrothul f Hrothulf is Hrothgars younger brother. Wealhtheow calls upon him to protect her young sons if it necessary to do so. Grendels sustain The of the man/monster Grendel she comes to Heorot seeking vengeance for the death of her son, and is killed by Beowulf. Aeschere He is one of Hrothgars important officials and trusted thanes.