Beowulf
Characters
Beowulf
The protagonist of the poem. Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the
monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf’s exploits
prove him to be the strongest, ablest warrior of his time. In his youth, he
personifies the values of the heroic culture. In his old age, he proves a wise and
effective ruler.
Grendel
A demon descended from Cain. Grendel preys on Hrothgar’s warriors in the
king’s mead-hall, Heorot. Because Grendel’s ruthless and miserable existence is part
of the retribution exacted by God for Cain’s murder of Abel, Grendel fits solidly
within the ethos of vengeance that governs the world of the poem.
Grendel’s Mother
A demon even more monstrous than Grendel. Grendel’s mother seeks revenge
on Hrothgar’s men for the death of her son. Beowulf journeys to her magical,
creature-filled lair beneath the swamp in order to defeat her.
King Hrothgar
The king of the Danes. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity
until Grendel comes to terrorize his realm. Hrothgar is a wise and aged ruler, and
he represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful
warrior Beowulf. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king
that Beowulf becomes.
Unferth
A Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf. Unferth is unable or
unwilling to fight Grendel, thus proving himself inferior to Beowulf.
Hygelac
Beowulf’s uncle, king of the Geats, and husband of Hygd. Hygelac
heartily welcomes Beowulf upon his return from Denmark.
Ecgtheow
Beowulf’s father, Hygelac’s brother-in-law, and Hrothgar’s friend.
Ecgtheow is dead by the time the story begins, but he lives on through the noble
reputation that he made for himself and in his dutiful son’s remembrances.
King Hrethel
The Geatish king who took Beowulf in as a ward after the death of
Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s father.
The dragon
An ancient, powerful serpent that guards a horde of treasure. Beowulf
fights the dragon in the third and final part of the epic.
Wiglaf
A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf. Wiglaf helps Beowulf in the
fight against the dragon after the other warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the
heroic code, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf.
