| Beowulf | a great warrior, goes to Denmark on a successful mission to kill Grendel; he returns home to Geatland, where he becomes king and slays a dragon before dying; poem; alliterative verse, elegy, small scale heroic epic; author unknown; setting around 500 AD |
| King Hrothgar | King of the Danes; Father figure to Beowulf |
| Grendel | demon descended from Cain, terrorizes Herot, killed by Beowulf |
| Grendel’s mother | An unnamed swamp-hag, Grendel’s mother seems to possess fewer human qualities than Grendel, although her terrorization of Heorot is explained by her desire for vengeance—a human motivation. |
| The dragon | An ancient, powerful serpent, the dragon guards a horde of treasure in a hidden mound. Beowulf’s fight with the dragon constitutes the third and final part of the epic. |
| Halfdane Wealhtheow | one of the kings of the Spear-Danes, is the grandson of Shield Sheafson |
| Unferth | One of Hrothgar’s warriors, jealous of Beowulf, lent his sword to Beowulf to fight Grendel’s mother |
| Hrethric | Hrothgar’s elder son, Hrethric stands to inherit the Danish throne, but Hrethric’s older cousin Hrothulf will prevent him from doing so. Beowulf offers to support the youngster’s prospect of becoming king by hosting him in Geatland and giving him guidance. |
| Hrothulf | Hrothgar’s nephew, Hrothulf betrays and usurps his cousin, Hrethic, the rightful heir to the Danish throne. Hrothulf’s treachery contrasts with Beowulf’s loyalty to Hygelac in helping his son to the throne. |
| Aeschere | the right hand man of Hrothgar killed by Grendel’s mother; led to Beowulf”s quest for their lair |
| Hygelac | This King of the Geats is also Beowulf’s uncle. Upon hearing Beowulf’s courageous exploits, he gives Beowulf nearly half his kingdom. |
| Hygd | Hygelac’s wife |
| Wiglaf | young warrior who stays with Beowulf during the fight with the dragon, and because of his loyalty, Beowulf names him as his heir |
Beowulf Main Characters
February 21, 2020