# Beowulf — Beowulf character guide > Beowulf in Beowulf by Anonymous. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Beowulf Geatman, The Geatman **First appearance:** 0006-iv-beowulf-goes-to-hrothgar-s-assistance ## Snapshot A Geatish champion who sails to Denmark to face a monster no Dane can kill, betting his life on his grip and his name. ## Who they are Beowulf arrives at Heorot as a young hero with fourteen companions, trading boasts and treasure-gifts for the chance to prove himself before Hrothgar. His defining tension is the heroic code itself: he must earn glory through strength while the poem keeps warning that fame, gold, and life-vigor all run out. His early stand against Grendel sets the whole arc in motion, making him the measure against which loyalty, kingship, and mortality are later weighed. ## Relationships ### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel) _rivalry_ Beowulf is the heroic warrior who fights and defeats the monstrous Grendel in hand-to-hand combat. ### [Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/higelac) _family_ Higelac is Beowulf's uncle and king, to whom Beowulf is a loyal nephew and retainer. ### [Hrothgar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/hrothgar) _friendship_ Beowulf comes to aid Hrothgar as a loyal ally, and Hrothgar later becomes a mentor and father figure to Beowulf. ### [Ecgtheow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/ecgtheow) _family_ Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and past deeds influence Beowulf's own journey. ### [Heatholaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/heatholaf) _rivalry_ Heatholaf is a warrior killed by Beowulf's father Ecgtheow, creating a feud that Beowulf later resolves. ### [Healfdene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/healfdene) _social_ Healfdene is Hrothgar's father and a former Danish king, known to Beowulf through lineage and history. ### [Ecglaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/ecglaf) _rivalry_ Ecglaf is the father of Unferth, who taunts Beowulf, creating tension between Beowulf and Ecglaf's kin. ### [Ohthere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/ohthere) _rivalry_ Beowulf fights against Ohthere's sons in later wars, continuing the Geat-Swedish feud. ### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel) _rivalry_ Beowulf is the heroic warrior who fights and defeats the monstrous Grendel in hand-to-hand combat. ### [Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/higelac) _family_ Higelac is Beowulf's uncle and king, to whom Beowulf is a loyal nephew and retainer. ### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel) _rivalry_ Beowulf is the heroic warrior who fights and defeats the monstrous Grendel in hand-to-hand combat. ### [Heatholaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/heatholaf) _rivalry_ Heatholaf is a warrior killed by Beowulf's father Ecgtheow, creating a feud that Beowulf later resolves. ## In the story ### [The Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/the-story) Geatish hero who defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother, later becomes king and dies fighting a dragon. ### [Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/beowulf) The Geatish hero who defeats Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon; becomes king and dies in his final battle. ### [The Life and Death of Scyld](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/i-the-life-and-death-of-scyld) Son of Scyld; sent by God to solace the people; his fame spread widely among the Danes. ### [II: Scyld’s Successors—Hrothgar’s Great Mead-Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/ii-scyld-s-successors-hrothgar-s-great-mead-hall) Mentioned as the bairn of the Scyldings, a beloved land-prince famed among the folk. ### [IV: Beowulf Goes to Hrothgar’s Assistance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/iv-beowulf-goes-to-hrothgar-s-assistance) The Geatish hero who hears of Grendel's ravages and resolves to sail to Hrothgar's aid, selecting fourteen warriors for the journey. ### [The Geats Reach Heorot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/v-the-geats-reach-heorot) Leader of the Geats, speaks to the coastguard, declares his lineage and mission to help Hrothgar against Grendel. ### [VI: Beowulf Introduces Himself at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/vi-beowulf-introduces-himself-at-the-palace) Introduces himself as a thane of Higelac and requests an audience with Hrothgar. ### [Hrothgar and Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/vii-hrothgar-and-beowulf) Introduces himself as Higelac's kinsman, recounts past deeds, and vows to fight Grendel without weapons. ### [Hrothgar and Beowulf—Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/viii-hrothgar-and-beowulf-continued) Beowulf is addressed by Hrothgar and encouraged to show his heroism at the feast. ### [IX: Unferth Taunts Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/ix-unferth-taunts-beowulf) Defends his honor by recounting the swimming contest with Breca and his victory over sea monsters. ### [X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/x-beowulf-silences-unferth-glee-is-high) Silences Unferth with his tale of sea-monsters, rebukes Unferth for fratricide, and vows to defeat Grendel. ### [XI: All Sleep Save One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xi-all-sleep-save-one) Removes armor, entrusts his sword to a henchman, and declares he will fight Grendel without weapons, trusting in God's judgment. ### [XII: Grendel and Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xii-grendel-and-beowulf) Lies in wait for Grendel, seizes him in a hand-grip, and tears off his arm, fulfilling his boast to Hrothgar. ### [Grendel Is Vanquished](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xiii-grendel-is-vanquished) The Geatish hero who defeats Grendel by tearing off his arm, fulfilling his boast and cleansing Heorot. ### [Rejoicing of the Danes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xiv-rejoicing-of-the-danes) Praised by many as the greatest warrior and most worthy to govern, compared favorably to Sigmund and Heremod. ### [Hrothgar's Gratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xv-hrothgar-s-gratitude) Responds to Hrothgar, describing the fight and Grendel's hand left behind. ### [XVI: Hrothgar Lavishes Gifts Upon His Deliverer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xvi-hrothgar-lavishes-gifts-upon-his-deliverer) Receives lavish gifts from Hrothgar, including a golden standard, helmet, byrnie, and eight horses, as reward for defeating Grendel. ### [XVII: Banquet (Continued)—The Scop’s Song of Finn and Hnaef](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xvii-banquet-continued-the-scop-s-song-of-finn-and-hnaef) Beowulf is the hero whose men receive gifts; his fate is credited with averting further slaughter by Grendel. ### [XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xviii-the-finn-episode-continued-the-banquet-continues) Sits between Hrethric and Hrothmund, praised by Wealhtheow as a battle-brave hero. ### [XIX: Beowulf Receives Further Honor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xix-beowulf-receives-further-honor) Receives a beaker, twisted gold, arm-jewels, rings, corslet, and a great collar; praised by Wealhtheow and urged to be kind to her sons. ### [XX: The Mother of Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xx-the-mother-of-grendel) The Geatish hero who was absent during the attack but is summoned afterward. ### [XXI: Hrothgar’s Account of the Monsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxi-hrothgar-s-account-of-the-monsters) Implored by Hrothgar to confront Grendel's mother and avenge Aeschere's death. ### [XXII: Beowulf Seeks Grendel’s Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxii-beowulf-seeks-grendel-s-mother) Speaks wisely to Hrothgar, urging action over grief; tracks Grendel's mother; kills a sea-monster; prepares to dive into the mere. ### [XXIII: Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxiii-beowulf-s-fight-with-grendel-s-mother) Speaks to Hrothgar before diving, fights Grendel's mother in her lair, relies on strength and divine aid. ### [XXIV: Beowulf Is Double-Conqueror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxiv-beowulf-is-double-conqueror) Finds and wields the giant sword, kills Grendel's mother, beheads Grendel, and returns triumphantly to Heorot with the head and sword hilt. ### [XXV: Beowulf Brings His Trophies—Hrothgar's Gratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxv-beowulf-brings-his-trophies-hrothgar-s-gratitude) Presents the sword-hilt to Hrothgar and recounts his underwater battle, attributing his success to God's guidance. ### [XXVI: Hrothgar Moralizes—Rest After Labor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxvi-hrothgar-moralizes-rest-after-labor) Listens to Hrothgar's counsel, feasts, rests, and prepares to depart, returning Hrunting to Unferth with thanks. ### [XXVII: Sorrow at Parting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxvii-sorrow-at-parting) Announces his departure to seek King Higelac, offers future aid to Hrothgar, and is praised for his wisdom and strength. ### [XXVIII: The Homeward Journey—The Two Queens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxviii-the-homeward-journey-the-two-queens) Returns to Geatland with treasures from Hrothgar, greeted by the land-warden. ### [Beowulf and Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxix-beowulf-and-higelac) Returns to Geatland and reports to Higelac about his journey and battle with Grendel. ### [XXX: Beowulf Narrates His Adventures to Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxx-beowulf-narrates-his-adventures-to-higelac) Narrates his adventures to Higelac, recounting his battles with Grendel and Grendel's mother. ### [Gift-Giving Is Mutual](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxi-gift-giving-is-mutual) Returns to Higelac, presents Hrothgar's gifts, recounts his deeds, and is honored with lands and treasures. ### [XXXII: The Hoard and the Dragon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxii-the-hoard-and-the-dragon) Referenced as the 'giver-of-gold' to whom the dragon's attack will be grievous. ### [XXXIII: Brave Though Aged—Reminiscences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxiii-brave-though-aged-reminiscences) Aged king who resolves to fight the dragon alone, recalling past deeds and preparing for his final battle. ### [XXXIV: Beowulf Seeks the Dragon—Beowulf’s Reminiscences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxiv-beowulf-seeks-the-dragon-beowulf-s-reminiscences) The aged king of the Geats, preparing to fight the dragon and reminiscing about his youth and past battles. ### [XXXV: Reminiscences (Continued)—Beowulf’s Last Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxv-reminiscences-continued-beowulf-s-last-battle) Recounts past feuds and battles, prepares for his final fight against the dragon, insists on fighting alone. ### [XXXVI: Wiglaf the Trusty—Beowulf Is Deserted by Friends and by Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxvi-wiglaf-the-trusty-beowulf-is-deserted-by-friends-and-by-sword) The aged king fighting the dragon; his sword Naegling shatters in battle, and he is severely wounded. ### [XXXVII: The Fatal Struggle—Beowulf’s Last Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-fatal-struggle-beowulf-s-last-moments) Mortally wounded by the dragon, he reflects on his fifty-year reign and his integrity, then asks to see the treasure before death. ### [XXXVIII: Wiglaf Plunders the Dragon’s Den—Beowulf’s Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxviii-wiglaf-plunders-the-dragon-s-den-beowulf-s-death) Mortally wounded, gives thanks for treasure, commands his barrow, and bestows his armor on Wiglaf before dying. ### [XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxix-the-dead-foes-wiglaf-s-bitter-taunts) Lies dead after his battle with the dragon; his life is ended and his treasure is paid for with death. ### [XL: The Messenger of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xl-the-messenger-of-death) Reported dead, lying in death-bed after fighting the dragon. ### [The Messenger's Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xli-the-messenger-s-retrospect) The deceased Geatish king, whose lifeless body is seen on the sand, having died from the dragon's attack. ### [XLII: Wiglaf’s Sad Story—The Hoard Carried Off](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xlii-wiglaf-s-sad-story-the-hoard-carried-off) Beowulf is deceased; his final words and wishes are relayed by Wiglaf, and his body is carried to Whale's-Ness. ### [XLIII: The Burning of Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xliii-the-burning-of-beowulf) The deceased king, laid on the pyre and mourned by his people. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/beowulf - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters