What are the Ecgtheow in Beowulf?
Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s father, once found himself in a blood-feud with the tribe called the Wulfings because he had killed a man named Heatholaf. Ecgtheow sought refuge with King Hrothgar of the Danes, who eventually “healed the feud by paying” (470)—that is, he made reparations to the Wulfings on Ecgtheow’s behalf.
Who is Ecgtheow?
| CHARACTERS IN BEOWULF | |
|---|---|
| Beow | Son of Scyld. Had 4 sons & daughters. |
| Beowulf | Hygelac’s thane. (A Geat or Weder). Son of Ecgtheow, great warrior whom Hrothgar knew. |
| Breca | A young warrior friend of Beowulf. Competed with him in a swimming match. |
| Eschere | Hrothgar’s comrade, closest counsellor & friend. Murdered by Grendel’s mother. |
What are the characteristics of the characters in Beowulf?
In his youth, Beowulf is a great warrior, characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage, including his fabled swimming match against Breca. He also perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code, including loyalty, courtesy, and pride.
Is Beowulf the son of Ecgtheow?
One day from across the sea, Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, came from the land of the Geats, owing allegiance to Lord Hygelac, to help fight this grim demon.
What is the relationship of Ecgtheow to Beuwolf?
Ecgtheow. Beowulf’s father, Hygelac’s brother-in-law, and Hrothgar’s friend. Ecgtheow is dead by the time the story begins, but he lives on through the noble reputation that he made for himself during his life and in his dutiful son’s remembrances.
Who is Unferths father?
Ecglaf
Ecglaf (Ecglafing): Unferth’s father; he belongs to Dane tribe. Unferth: Son of Ecglaf; slew his brother; taunts Beowulf early in the poem, but later he lends his sword, Hrunting, to Beowulf just before Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother.
Who is the king of Danes?
Hrothgar
The king of the Danes. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his realm. A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful warrior Beowulf.
How does the author characterize Beowulf?
“The hero of all heroes,” Beowulf, strong and courageous, is the prince of Geats. Once he makes a vow, he stands by his word, no matter what the cost, even if it takes his life. He is reluctant to back down from battle, just so he can be there for the people who are in great need to be saved from evil.
What are important characteristics within Beowulf that make Beowulf an epic hero?
Often this hero comes by his qualities as a birthright, sometimes having links to gods or other epic heroes. Beowulf exhibits these qualities in the Old English epic poem named after him. His heroic qualities were courage, loyalty, wisdom, boasting, and physical strength.
What does I need no hot words mean?
calm
Beowulf speaks of his intention to face the dragon and says that he is calm – he needs no “hot words”: an idiom for bold, angry or unkind words (l. 623-624).
Who is Higlac’s wife?
Higd: Wife of Higlac, daughter of Hareth.
Who is Shield Sheafson?
The legendary Danish king from whom Hrothgar is descended, Shield Sheafson is the mythical founder who inaugurates a long line of Danish rulers and embodies the Danish tribe’s highest values of heroism and leadership.
What are the 3 major values of the Danes?
Danes define their national values in online vote
- Freedom: “Freedom is the fundamental value of Danish democracy.
- Equality under the law: “Denmark is often at the top of international surveys on trust and low corruption.”
- Gender equality: “The Danish society is based on equality between the sexes.
What type of hero was Beowulf?
The Epic Hero
The Epic Hero His character is a wealthy man and a great warrior for a noble cause. Beowulf is the protagonist of old English epic poem called Beowulf, and he is one of the original epic heroes. With his brave and noble nature, he defeats many dangers that have harmed his people.
How does Beowulf fit the characteristics of an epic hero?
Beowulf is synonymous with the concept of the epic hero. In this epic poem, we watch as he demonstrates his courage, strength, loyalty, and wisdom, and we see him have no difficulty letting people know who he is and what he is capable of accomplishing.
What are two characteristics that make Beowulf an epic hero?
Characteristics of an epic hero are courageous, devoted, loves glory, and loyalty. Beowulf fits each characteristic throughout the epic. He is distinctly known for being a warrior, a friend, and a loving leader.