Beowulf eBook

Print

Word

PDF

Swerting.—Grandfather of Higelac, and father of Hrethel.—19_11.

Swedes.—People of Sweden, ruled by the Scylfings.—35_13.

Thrytho.—Wife of Offa, king of the Angles. Known for her fierce and unwomanly disposition. She is introduced as a contrast to the gentle Hygd, queen of Higelac.—28_42; 28_56.

Unferth.—Son of Ecglaf, and seemingly a confidential courtier of Hrothgar. Taunts Beowulf for having taken part in the swimming-match. Lends Beowulf his sword when he goes to look for Grendel’s mother. In the MS. sometimes written Hunferth. 9_1; 18_41.

Waels.—Father of Sigemund.—14_60.

Waegmunding.—A name occasionally applied to Wiglaf and Beowulf, and perhaps derived from a common ancestor, Waegmund.—36_6; 38_61.

Weders.—Another name for Geats or Wedergeats.

Wayland.—A fabulous smith mentioned in this poem and in other old Teutonic literature.—7_83.

Wendels.—The people of Wulfgar, Hrothgar’s messenger and retainer. (Perhaps = Vandals.)—6_30.

Wealhtheow.—Wife of Hrothgar. Her queenly courtesy is well shown in the poem.—10_55.

Weohstan, or Wihstan.—A Waegmunding, and father of Wiglaf.—36_1.

Whale’s Ness.—A prominent promontory, on which Beowulf’s mound was built.—38_52; 42_76.

Wiglaf.—Son of Wihstan, and related to Beowulf. He remains faithful to Beowulf in the fatal struggle with the fire-drake. Would rather die than leave his lord in his dire emergency.—36_1; 36_3; 36_28.

Wonred.—Father of Wulf and Eofor.—41_20; 41_26.

Wulf.—Son of Wonred. Engaged in the battle between Higelac’s and Ongentheow’s forces, and had a hand-to-hand fight with Ongentheow himself. Ongentheow disables him, and is thereupon slain by Eofor.—41_19; 41_29.

Wulfgar.—Lord of the Wendels, and retainer of Hrothgar.—6_18; 6_30.

Wylfings.—A people to whom belonged Heatholaf, who was slain by Ecgtheow.—8_6; 8_16.

Yrmenlaf.—Younger brother of AEschere, the hero whose death grieved Hrothgar so deeply.—21_4.

[xviii]