# Ongentheow — Beowulf character guide

> Ongentheow in Beowulf by Anonymous.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0042-xl-the-messenger-of-death

## Who they are

Swedish king killed by the Geats in a battle recounted by the messenger.

## In the story

### [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)

War-Scylfing leader, husband of Elan, Healfdene's daughter.

### [XXVIII: The Homeward Journey—The Two Queens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxviii-the-homeward-journey-the-two-queens)

King Offa, husband of Thrytho, renowned for gifts and battles.

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

Swedish king whose offspring were active in the feud; he is slain by Eofor in battle.

### [XL: The Messenger of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xl-the-messenger-of-death)

Mentioned as the old and terrible Swedish king who killed Haethcyn at Ravenswood.

### [The Messenger's Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xli-the-messenger-s-retrospect)

The aged Swedish king who is driven to retreat and ultimately slain by Eofor after a fierce battle.

## Links

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