Characters
Learn about the characters in the epic poem Beowulf with Course Hero's video study guide.
| Character |
Description |
| Beowulf |
Beowulf is the poem's brave hero. Read More |
| King Hrothgar |
King Hrothgar is the ruler of the Danes and Beowulf's loyal friend. Read More |
| Grendel |
Grendel is the evil beast that terrorizes King Hrothgar's men, and whom Beowulf kills. Read More |
| Wealhtheow |
Wealhtheow is King Hrothgar's queen and an ambassador of peace. Read More |
| Dragon |
The dragon is an evil, fire-breathing creature that fatally wounds Beowulf before his own death. Read More |
| Grendel's Mother |
Grendel's mother is a beast that seeks to avenge her son's death and is killed by Beowulf. Read More |
| Wiglaf |
Wiglaf is Beowulf's cousin and companion who helps him defeat the dragon. Read More |
| Aeschere |
Aeschere is Hrothgar's adviser; he is killed by Grendel's mother. |
| Beow |
Beow is Hrothgar's grandfather. |
| Breca |
Breca is Beowulf's childhood friend. |
| Ecgtheow |
Ecgtheow is Beowulf's father. |
| Finn |
Finn is the king of the Frisians. |
| Halfdane |
Halfdane is Hrothgar's father. |
| Heardred |
Heardred is the son of Hygelac and Hygd. |
| Hildeburh |
Hildeburh is King Finn's queen. |
| Hnaef |
Hnaef is a Danish ruler; brother of Hildeburh; killed by King Finn. |
| Hrethric |
Hrethric is Hrothgar's oldest son and heir until his cousin steals the crown. |
| Hrothulf |
Hrothulf
is Hrothgar's nephew who Wealhtheow suggests should inherit the crown. |
| Hrothmund |
Hrothmund is Hrothgar's second son. |
| Hygd |
Hygd is Beowulf's aunt; queen of the Geats. |
| Hygelac |
Hygelac is Beowulf's uncle and mentor; king of the Geats. |
| King Heremod |
King Heremod is an ancient king who eventually betrayed his subjects. |
| King Hrethel |
King Hrethel is the previous king of the Geats; Beowulf's great-uncle and foster father. |
| King Onela |
King Onela is a nobleman who seized the Swedish throne; killed by Beowulf. |
| King Ongentheow |
King Ongentheow is the Swedish king killed by Eofor; one of Hygelac's thanes. |
| Queen Modthryth |
Queen Modthryth is a cruel queen whose behavior sets her up as a foil to Queen Hygd. |
| Shield Sheafson |
Shield Sheafson is Hrothgar's great-grandfather, and the founder of his tribe. |
| Sigemund |
Sigemund is an ancient warrior and dragon-slayer. |
| Unferth |
Unferth is one of Hrothgar's men whose spite for Beowulf grows into admiration. |
Cite This Study Guide
Have study documents to share about Beowulf? Upload them to earn free Course Hero access!
