Danes – citizens of Denmark; their country is being attacked by Grendel
Geats – citizens of Geatland (modern-day Sweden); home of Beowulf the hero and his ancestors
2 Herot – name of Danish warrior hall
Beowulf – heroic Geat warrior
Grendel – monster who attacks the Danes
Grendel’s mother – monster who attacks the Danes out of revenge for son’s defeat
Dragon – monster who attacks the Geats because a thief steals from its treasure
Hrothgar – King of the Danish people; grateful to Beowulf for his assistance (kenning – Healfdane’s son)
Higlac – King of Geatland; Beowulf’s uncle
Wiglaf – relative of Beowulf; comes to Beowulf’s aid in battle with dragon
