Secondary Characters

Aeschere
An old Danish warrior and friend of Hrothgar. He is beheaded by Grendel's mother when she comes to Heorot to avenge Grendel.

Beowulf (Scylding)
Son of Scyld Scefing and father Healfdene. No relation to the protagonist of the poem.

Breca
Childhood friend of Beowulf and once bested him in a swimming contest, in which they swam for five days and battled many sea-monsters.

Ecgtheow
Beowulf's father. He once engaged in a feud with the Weder tribe by killing Heatholaf and sought protection from Hrothgar. Hrothgar paid wereguild to the Wylfings on Ecgtheow's behalf, and in return for his assistance, Ecgtheow swore oaths to the Danish king. Because of these oaths, Beowulf feels indebted to Hrothgar as well.

Eofor
Geatish warrior. Assisted in killing the Swedish king Ongentheow.

Hæthcyn
Geatish prince and second son of Hrethel. Killed his brother Herebeald.

Healfdene
Son of Beowulf and father of four children: Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and one daughter whose name is missing from the manuscript. He was a fierce and glorious king.

Heardred
Son of Hygelac and Hygd. Heardred was killed in battle, leaving Beowulf as the heir to the Geatish throne.

Herebeald
Geatish prince and eldest son of Hrethel. Killed by his brother Hæthcyn.

Hrethel
Father of Herebeald, Hæthcyn, and Hygelac, and foster-father of Beowulf.

Hygd
Geatish Queen, wife of Hygelac, and peace-weaver. The poet notes that Hygd's behavior was once very unbefitting of a queen, as she performed executions and was known for "terrible crimes":"[...] no man, however bold, among her own retainers""dared to approach her, except as her prince,""or dared to look into her eyes by day;""for he knew that deadly bonds, braided by hand,""were waiting for him — first the hand-grip,""and quickly after a blade appointed,""so that a patterned sword had to settle things,""proclaim the execution. (ll. 1932-1940)"

Hygelac
King of the Geats before Beowulf.

Onela
Son of Ongentheow. Swedish king. Married Hrothgar's sister in an attempt at peace-weaving.

Ongentheow
Swedish king. Father of Onela and Ohthere. Killed by Wulf and Eofor.

Scyld Scefing
One of the greatest kings of the Spear-Danes. Father of Beowulf Scylding, grandfather of Healfdene, great-grandfather of Hrothgar. Honored by God.

Wulf
Geatish warrior. Assisted his brother in killing the Swedish king Ongentheow