Beowulf Character

The protagonist of the Epic narrative story, is a Geatish Hero who fights the monster, Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and a fire-breathing dragon.

• King Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel

• Grendel's Mother

• The Dragon

A demon descended from Cain, preys on Hrothgar’s warriors in the king’s mead-hall, Heorot.

• King Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel

• Grendel's Mother

• The Dragon

The king of the Danes, enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his realm.

• King Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel

• Grendel's Mother

• The Dragon

An ancient, powerful serpent, the dragon guards a horde of treasure in a hidden mound

• King Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel

• Grendel's Mother

• The Dragon

An unnamed swamp-hag, her terrorization of Heorot is explained by her desire for vengeance—a human motivation.

• King Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel

• Grendel's Mother

• The Dragon

The second king listed in the genealogy of Danish rulers with which the poem begins.

He is the son of Shield Sheafson and father of Halfdane.

• Shield Sheafson

• Beow

• Halfdane

• Wealtheow

• Unferth

Hrothgar’s wife, the gracious queen of the Danes

• Shield Sheafson

• Beow

• Halfdane

• Wealtheow

• Unferth

The father of Hrothgar, Heorogar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter who married a king of the Swedes, succeeded Beow as ruler of the Danes.

• Shield Sheafson

• Beow

• Halfdane

• Wealtheow

• Unferth

A Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf

• Shield Sheafson

• Beow

• Halfdane

• Wealtheow

• Unferth

The legendary Danish king from whom Hrothgar is descended.

He is the mythical founder who inaugurates a long line of Danish rulers and embodies the Danish tribe’s highest values of heroism and leadership

• Shield Sheafson

• Beow

• Halfdane

• Wealtheow

• Unferth