# Wealhtheow — Beowulf character guide

> Wealhtheow in Beowulf by Anonymous.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0019-xvii-banquet-continued-the-scop-s-song-of-finn-and-hnaef

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xi-all-sleep-save-one)

Sought by Hrothgar as a bedmate.

### [Rejoicing of the Danes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxviii-the-homeward-journey-the-two-queens)

Mentioned as Hygd, young and generous queen of the Geats, daughter of Haereth.

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

Hrothgar's queen, noted for passing through the building and giving gifts.

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

Mentioned as the giver of a necklace to Beowulf, which he later gives to Hygd.

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

Mentioned as the giver of the wonder-gem necklace to Beowulf.

### [XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxix-the-dead-foes-wiglaf-s-bitter-taunts)

Not present in this chapter; no mention.

## Links

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