Beowulf Character List

(with alternate spellings)

 

• Beowulf-the epic hero; the ideal warrior.He is originally a thane, but later becomes a feudal lord and king of the Geats.

• Grendel-the huge monster who terrorizes Herot, the mead hall of King Hrothgar.He cannot be destroyed by the weapons of men, but Beowulf kills him with his bare hands.

• Grendel’s mother (also known as the troll wife and Grendel’s dam)-She wants to avenge her son’s death, so she attacks the mead hall.

• Dragon-A fire-breathing, snake-like monster who ultimately kills Beowulf, but not before it meets its own death.

• Hrothgar-king of the Danes; He is a wise and generous ruler, but is too old to protect his people from the attack of Grendel.

• Unferth-a thane in Hrothgar’s court who challenges Beowulf’s superiority as a warrior.He is later forced to recognize Beowulf’s greatness.

• Wealtheow-Hrothgar’s wife; Her generosity and hospitality make her an ideal queen.

• Higlac or Hygelac-Beowulf’s uncle and king of the Geats.He is actually a historical figure.The real person died in battle while raiding the European mainland in 521.

• Healfdanes-Hrothgar’s father.

• Wiglaf-A young and experienced thane who is the only one to stand by Beowulf in the battle with the dragon.Beowulf chooses him as his successor.

• Edgetho or Ecgtheow-Beowulf’s father; He was once befriended and offered shelter by Hrothgar.

• Hrunting-The sword loaned to Beowulf by the repentant Unferth.

• Wulfgar-The Danish watchman who first sees Beowulf’s ship land on Danish soil.

• Aeschere-Hrothgar’s close friend and chief advisor who is killed by Grendel’s mother when she comes to retrieve Grendel’s arm.