# Ecgtheow — Beowulf character guide

> Ecgtheow in Beowulf by Anonymous.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Ecgtheow titled

**First appearance:** 0008-vi-beowulf-introduces-himself-at-the-palace

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel)

_rivalry_

Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.

### [Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/beowulf)

_family_

Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and past deeds influence Beowulf's own journey.

### [Hrothgar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/hrothgar)

_friendship_

Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.

### [Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/higelac)

_professional_

Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.

### [Hrothgar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/hrothgar)

_friendship_

Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.

### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel)

_rivalry_

Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.

### [Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/higelac)

_professional_

Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.

### [Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/beowulf)

_family_

Ecgtheow is Beowulf's deceased father, whose reputation and past deeds influence Beowulf's own journey.

### [Grendel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/grendel)

_rivalry_

Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, is mentioned in the context of past feuds that indirectly involve Grendel's lineage.

## In the story

### [The Geats Reach Heorot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/v-the-geats-reach-heorot)

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

### [Hrothgar and Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/vii-hrothgar-and-beowulf)

Mentioned as Beowulf's deceased father, who was married to Hrethel's daughter.

### [Hrothgar and Beowulf—Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/x-beowulf-silences-unferth-glee-is-high)

Mentioned as Beowulf's father when Beowulf is called 'offspring of Ecgtheow'.

### [Hrothgar's Gratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xv-hrothgar-s-gratitude)

Mentioned as Beowulf's father in the patronymic 'Ecgtheow's offspring'.

### [XXII: Beowulf Seeks Grendel’s Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxv-beowulf-brings-his-trophies-hrothgar-s-gratitude)

Mentioned as Beowulf's father in the opening line.

### [Beowulf and Higelac](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxix-beowulf-and-higelac)

Beowulf's father, mentioned in Beowulf's lineage.

### [Gift-Giving Is Mutual](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxi-gift-giving-is-mutual)

Referenced as Beowulf's father ('Ecgtheow's bairn').

### [XXXIII: Brave Though Aged—Reminiscences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxiv-beowulf-seeks-the-dragon-beowulf-s-reminiscences)

Beowulf's father, mentioned as Beowulf recalls his lineage.

### [XXXV: Reminiscences (Continued)—Beowulf’s Last Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxv-reminiscences-continued-beowulf-s-last-battle)

Beowulf's father, mentioned as the father of the famous offspring.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/ecgtheow
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters