| CHARACTERS IN BEOWULF | |
| Beow | Son of Scyld. Had 4 sons & daughters. |
| Beowulf | Hygelac's thane. (A Geat or Weder). Son of Ecgtheow, great warrior whom Hrothgar knew. |
| Breca | A young warrior friend of Beowulf. Competed with him in a swimming match. |
| Eschere | Hrothgar's comrade, closest counsellor & friend. Murdered by Grendel's mother. |
| Freawaru | Daughter of Hrothgar who was to marry the son of Froda to settle a feud. |
| Grendel | Monster terrorizing the Danes. |
| Hrethric & Hrothmund | sons of Hrothgar & Wealhtheow. |
| Hrothgar | Great warrior. King in story. Had a great mead-hall--Herot or the Hall of the Hart, where he feasted & rewarded his warriors. |
| Hygd | Hygelac's young wife. |
| Hygelac | Prince of the Geats to whom Beowulf declares allegiance. Son of Hrethel. |
| Scyld | Dead king who led the Danes. Was found as a baby on a ship. Established dynasty. |
| Unferth | Herald @ Hrothgar's court. Name means "disturber of the peace." He's envious, backbiting, cowardly. Eventually comes to respect & befriend Beowulf. |
| Wealhtheow | Queen. Hrothgar's wife. |
| Wiglaf | Helps old King Beowulf slay dragon. Wechstan's son, relation of Beowulf. |