Beowulf
Anglo Saxon · mortal · heroic age · Recorded classification
Geatish hero of the Old English epic; slayer of Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon, later king of the Geats. A legendary mortal, not a god.
Parentage
- paternal: Ecgtheow
- maternal: Daughter of Hrethel
Domains
- heroism kingship
Powers
- Grip with the strength of thirty men
- Tear off Grendel's arm with his bare hands
- Slay the hoard-dragon at the cost of his life
- Hand-grip with the strength of thirty men
- Endures days swimming the sea in mail among sea-monsters
Relations
- companion: WiglafWaegmunding kinsman and last loyal retainer against the dragon; Beowulf's heir.Beowulf, ll. 2602-2891 (primary)
Sources
- existence: Beowulf, Nowell Codex (manuscript c. 975–1025) (primary); R. D. Fulk, R. Bjork & J. Niles, Klaeber's Beowulf, 4th ed. (2008) (secondary)