Beowulf · Character

Wealhtheow

Queen of the Danes, wife of Hrothgar, who appears at feasts and gifts Beowulf.

minor

First appearance: xvii banquet continued the scop s song of finn and hnaef

Wealhtheow shows up with force in X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Circulates with the cup, thanks God for Beowulf's arrival, and presents Beowulf with a beaker.

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In X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High: Circulates with the cup, thanks God for Beowulf's arrival, and presents Beowulf with a beaker. Later, in Rejoicing of the Danes: The queen-wife accompanies Hrothgar as they…

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See Wealhtheow in xvii banquet continued the scop s song of finn and hnaef

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

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

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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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In the story

Wealhtheow appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High
Circulates with the cup, thanks God for Beowulf's arrival, and presents Beowulf with a beaker.
XI: All Sleep Save One
Sought by Hrothgar as a bedmate.
Rejoicing of the Danes
The queen-wife accompanies Hrothgar as they walk the mead-ways with maidens attending.
XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues
Queen of the Scyldings, advances under gold-crown, offers cup to Hrothgar and speaks of peace and legacy.
XIX: Beowulf Receives Further Honor
Discourses in the mead-hall, addresses the war-troop, presents the collar to Beowulf, and asks him to be mild with instruction and kind to her son.
XXVIII: The Homeward Journey—The Two Queens
Mentioned as Hygd, young and generous queen of the Geats, daughter of Haereth.
Beowulf and Higelac
Hrothgar's queen, noted for passing through the building and giving gifts.
Gift-Giving Is Mutual
Mentioned as the giver of a necklace to Beowulf, which he later gives to Hygd.
Gift-Giving Is Mutual
Mentioned as the giver of the wonder-gem necklace to Beowulf.
XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts
Not present in this chapter; no mention.

Chapter companion notes

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See Wealhtheow in xvii banquet continued the scop s song of finn and hnaef

See Wealhtheow in X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High