Beowulf · Character

Ecgtheow

Beowulf's father, who once sought refuge with Hrothgar.

minor

Also known as Ecgtheow titled

First appearance: vi beowulf introduces himself at the palace

Ecgtheow's tie to Grendel is one of the pressures that moves Beowulf—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Beowulf's father, a noble head-warrior known to many counsellors.

In the storyThe Geats Reach HeorotOpen this moment free

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With Grendel (rivalry): Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage. With Beowulf (family): Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and…

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See Ecgtheow in vi beowulf introduces himself at the palace

Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Ecgtheow sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Family
Friendship
Professional
Other

Character groups

Key figures in Beowulf's world
Protagonist
Supporting and background characters

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Wiglaf’s bitter t…

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Relationships

Grendel
rivalry · negative
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly… How this plays out →
Beowulf
family · positive
Hrothgar
friendship · positive
Higelac
professional · positive
Hrothgar
friendship · positive
Grendel
rivalry · negative
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly… How this plays out →
Higelac
professional · positive
Beowulf
family · positive
Grendel
rivalry · negative
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly… How this plays out →

Grendel
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.
Beowulf
Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and past deeds influence Beowulf's own journey.
Hrothgar
Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.
Higelac
Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.
Hrothgar
Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.
Grendel
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.
Higelac
Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.
Beowulf
Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and past deeds influence Beowulf's own journey.
Grendel
Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Ecgtheow in vi beowulf introduces himself at the palace

In the story

Ecgtheow appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Geats Reach Heorot
Beowulf's father, a noble head-warrior known to many counsellors.
Hrothgar and Beowulf
Mentioned as Beowulf's deceased father, who was married to Hrethel's daughter.
Hrothgar and Beowulf—Continued
Ecgtheow is mentioned as Beowulf's father, who killed Heatholaf and fled to the South-Danes.
X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High
Mentioned as Beowulf's father when Beowulf is called 'offspring of Ecgtheow'.
Hrothgar's Gratitude
Mentioned as Beowulf's father in the patronymic 'Ecgtheow's offspring'.
XXII: Beowulf Seeks Grendel’s Mother
Beowulf is identified as Ecgtheow's son in the opening line.
XXIII: Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother
Mentioned as Beowulf's father; Beowulf is referred to as 'Ecgtheow's son'.
XXV: Beowulf Brings His Trophies—Hrothgar's Gratitude
Mentioned as Beowulf's father in the opening line.
Beowulf and Higelac
Beowulf's father, mentioned in Beowulf's lineage.
Gift-Giving Is Mutual
Referenced as Beowulf's father ('Ecgtheow's bairn').
XXXIII: Brave Though Aged—Reminiscences
Beowulf's father, mentioned as 'Ecgtheow's bairn' when Beowulf swam back to his people.
XXXIV: Beowulf Seeks the Dragon—Beowulf’s Reminiscences
Beowulf's father, mentioned as Beowulf recalls his lineage.
XXXV: Reminiscences (Continued)—Beowulf’s Last Battle
Beowulf's father, mentioned as the father of the famous offspring.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Ecgtheow unlock in the free preview.

See Ecgtheow in vi beowulf introduces himself at the palace

See Ecgtheow in The Geats Reach Heorot