Beowulf's Genealogy

Verse

WORDS = DEFINITIONS

Genealogy – the study or record of a person’s family history or ancestors

Ogre – a scary giant, mythology

Biblical – from the Bible

Feud – a long fight. war

Slain – killed

Victorious – a winner

Claw – a sharp nail of an animal

Bard – a storyteller

Mead – a drink made from honey

Counselor – someone who gives advice

Swamp – wet, muddy land with lots of plants and standing water

Cavern – a large cave or underground chamber

Enraged – filled with great anger

Fugitive – a person who is running away or hiding to avoid capture or punishment

Barrow – a mound of earth or stones, often used as an ancient grave

Chorus

CHARACTERS WITH THERE ROLE

Beowulf – The hero of the story; brave, strong, and honorable.

King Hrothgar – King of the Danes; wise and generous but troubled by monsters.

Grendel – A monster who attacks the Danes’ mead hall.

Grendel’s Mother – A vengeful monster who kills Aschere.

The Dragon – A powerful creature Beowulf fights in his old age.

Wiglaf – Beowulf’s loyal warrior who helps him in the final battle.

Verse

Scyld Scefing – Legendary founder of the Danish royal line.

Beow (Beo) – Son of Scyld; early Danish king.

Healfdane (Halfdane) – Son of Beow; father of Hrothgar.

King Hrothgar – Great Danish king who built Heorot.

Queen Wealhtheow – Hrothgar’s queen; wise and dignified.

Hrothulf – Hrothgar’s nephew; lives in the royal court.

Freawaru – Hrothgar’s daughter; married for peace.

King Hygelac – King of the Geats; Beowulf’s uncle.

Queen Hygd – Hygelac’s wife; kind and wise.

Heardred – Son of Hygelac; later king.

Ecgtheow – Beowulf’s father; a respected warrior.

Unferth – Danish warrior who challenges Beowulf.

Aschere (Æschere) – Hrothgar’s trusted adviser, killed by Grendel’s mother.

Breca – Warrior who competed with Beowulf in a swimming match.

Wulfgar – Hrothgar’s messenger.

Outro

Aeschere – (same as Aschere; alternate spelling)

Sigemund – A famous hero mentioned in songs.