Beowulf : Characters
Beowulf is a notable literary work by Anonymous. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Beowulf.
Characters
Learn about the characters of the Old English epic “Beowulf” here.
Characters
Main Characters
Beowulf: The central hero of the poem, Beowulf is a brave and loyal warrior who defeats Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. His strength, courage, and sense of duty embody the heroic code.
King Hrothgar: The wise and generous ruler of the Danes. Hrothgar is a loyal friend to Beowulf and values his heroism in defending Heorot Hall.
Grendel: A monstrous creature that terrorizes Heorot Hall. Grendel represents pure evil and hatred.
Grendel’s Mother: A vengeful beast who seeks to avenge Grendel’s death. She is a formidable opponent, but Beowulf kills her in her underwater lair.
Wealhtheow: Hrothgar’s queen and a symbol of diplomacy and peace.
Dragon: A fire-breathing beast that wreaks havoc in Beowulf’s kingdom after its treasure is stolen. The dragon fatally wounds Beowulf in their final battle.
Wiglaf: Beowulf’s loyal companion and cousin. Wiglaf is the only warrior who helps Beowulf fight the dragon and is named his successor.
Other Characters
Aeschere: Hrothgar’s trusted adviser, killed by Grendel’s mother during her attack on Heorot.
Shield Sheafson: Hrothgar’s legendary great-grandfather, the founder of the Danish tribe. He is celebrated for his strength and leadership.
Hygelac: King of the Geats, Beowulf’s uncle, and mentor. Hygelac is a respected leader who dies in battle.
Hygd: Hygelac’s queen and Beowulf’s aunt. She is portrayed as wise and kind, a contrast to Queen Modthryth.
Heardred: Hygelac’s son, who becomes king of the Geats after his father’s death.
Ecgtheow: Beowulf’s father, whose bond with Hrothgar creates a sense of loyalty between Beowulf and the Danish king.
Unferth: A Danish warrior who initially doubts Beowulf’s abilities but grows to respect him after witnessing his bravery.
Hrethric: Hrothgar’s eldest son and rightful heir, though his cousin Hrothulf eventually usurps the throne.
Hrothulf: Hrothgar’s nephew, suggested by Queen Wealhtheow to inherit the crown.
King Heremod: An ancient king who betrayed his people.
King Hrethel: Beowulf’s foster father and the previous king of the Geats. He raised Beowulf after his father’s death.
King Onela: A Swedish ruler who seizes the throne and is eventually killed by Beowulf.
Queen Modthryth: A cruel queen. Her behavior contrasts sharply with the virtues of Queen Hygd.