Beowulf Characters Flashcards

Key Characters in Beowulf

• Hrothgar: King of the Danes; renowned builder of the great mead hall, Herot, which serves as a central location in the story.
• Beowulf: Nephew of Higlac, he becomes a celebrated hero and later the king of the Geats, known for his strength and bravery.
• Higlac: King of the Geats; serves as Beowulf's feudal lord and is instrumental in his upbringing and development as a warrior.
• Higd: Wife of Higlac, notable for her role in the Gothic royal family.
• Wiglaf: Loyal warrior and companion to Beowulf; he aids Beowulf in the climactic battle against the dragon and succeeds him as king.
• Freaw: Hrothgar's daughter; she is married to secure an alliance and settle a feud between warring factions.

Antagonists

• Grendel: A monstrous creature descended from Cain, who terrorizes Hrothgar's kingdom until Beowulf confronts and defeats him.
• Grendel's Mother: A vengeful swamp hag who seeks retribution for her son's death, killed by Beowulf during a fierce underwater battle.
• Dragon: An ancient, powerful serpent guarding treasure; it ultimately leads to Beowulf's demise when it bites him during their confrontation.

Supporting Characters

• Brecca: Leader of the Brondings and friend of Beowulf, known for their youth and epic swimming match.
• Unferth: A warrior of Hrothgar's court; he expresses jealousy toward Beowulf but ultimately provides him with a sword, Hrunting, to face Grendel's mother.
• Edgetho: Beowulf's father, recognized as a formidable warrior who marries the daughter of Hrethel.
• Esher: A nobleman of Denmark and close companion of Hrothgar, tragically killed by Grendel's mother.

Historical and Mythical Figures

• Hermod: An infamous Danish king noted for his poor character and leadership.
• Thrith: Initially a violent young woman, she is transformed by the marriage to Offa, who tames her spirit.
• Offa: King of the Angles; he is celebrated for his ability to pacify his fierce wife, Thrith.

Weapons and Symbolism

• Hrunting: An ancient sword provided by Unferth for Beowulf to combat Grendel's mother; ultimately proves ineffective.
• Nagling: The sword Beowulf wields in his final battle against the dragon, symbolizing his heroic legacy.

Cultural Context

• Geats: The people from Southern Sweden, representing Beowulf's heritage and ancestry.
• Danes: The inhabitants of Denmark who suffer under Grendel and his mother, highlighting the theme of suffering and heroism.

Themes of Virtue

• Anglo-Saxon Virtues: Central values of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship are embodied by the main characters.
• Epic Hero Characteristics: Beowulf exemplifies qualities of an epic hero: glorified status, heroic quests, ethical conduct, and immense physical strength.

Test your knowledge of key characters in the epic poem Beowulf with this flashcard quiz. Each card provides a significant character's name along with a brief definition that highlights their role in the story. Perfect for students studying Old English literature and its iconic figures.