The characters described here appear in Beowulf. Though not principal figures, it is nevertheless helpful to know who they are.
Scyld (or Shield) Sheafson, Beow and Halfdane
Scyld Sheafson is the founder of the Danish dynasty of which Hrothgar is the latest king. Scyld is the father of Beow (sometimes called Beowulf, but not to be confused with the hero of the poem), the grandfather of Halfdane, and the great-grandfather of Hrothgar.Aeschere
Hrothgar's most valued advisor, whom Grendel's mother kills when she takes revenge for the death of her son.Ecgtheow
Beowulf's late father, for whom his friend Hrothgar had once done a great favor. Ecgtheow was Hygelac's brother-in-law, so his son Beowulf is in the Geatish royal line.Hygd
Hygelac's beautiful wife. Hygd is a young but capable queen. A portion of the poem contrasts her to the wicked Queen Modthryth.Heardred
Hygelac's son. He is still young when Hygelac dies, and Geatish elders don't think he can make a good king; but Beowulf refuses to usurp the throne, and not until Heardred's untimely death does the hero become king.Hrethic, Hrothmund and Hrothulf
Hrethic is Hrothgar's eldest son, and Hrothmund is his younger son. Hrothulf is their cousin, who usurps the throne from Hrethic. Beowulf offers to help and guide Hrethic, sheltering him in Geatland. Hrothulf's usurpation can be contrasted to Beowulf's refusal to take the throne from Hygelac's son.Breca
Beowulf's childhood friend, against whom the hero engaged in an epic swimming match. Breca washed up on shore without finishing the race, while Beowulf swam farther and slew deadly sea creatures before making a victorious landing.Sigemund
A dragon-slayer from Norse mythology. The story of Sigemund is related by Hrothgar's minstrel after Beowulf slays Grendel, appropriately foreshadowing what will be the hero's last battle. Sigemund faced the dragon alone, which might have inspired Beowulf to do the same.King Heremond
A sorry character from history, Heremond is contrasted by the minstrel with Beowulf. He is condemned for engaging in battles himself when he should have delegated the tasks to younger warriors. This is a lesson that Beowulf does not take to heart.Queen Modthryth
An unreasonable, vain woman, who viciously tortured anyone who dared to look directly at her. Her story is told to contrast her with the good Queen Hygd. Only the marriage of Modthryth to the brave King Offa tempered her wickedness.Think you know your Beowulf? Test yourself with the Beowulf Quiz.
