Æschere.—Confidential friend of King Hrothgar. Elder brother of Yrmenlaf. Killed by Grendel.—[21 3]; [30 89].
Beanstan.—Father of Breca.—[9 26].
Beowulf.—Son of Scyld, the founder of the dynasty of Scyldings. Father of Healfdene, and grandfather of Hrothgar.—[1 18]; [2 1].
Beowulf.—The hero of the poem. Sprung from the stock of Geats, son of Ecgtheow. Brought up by his maternal grandfather Hrethel, and figuring in manhood as a devoted liegeman of his uncle Higelac. A hero from his youth. Has the strength of thirty men. Engages in a swimming-match with Breca. Goes to the help of Hrothgar against the monster Grendel. Vanquishes Grendel and his mother. Afterwards becomes king of the Geats. Late in life attempts to kill a fire-spewing dragon, and is slain. Is buried with great honors. His memorial mound.—[6 26]; [7 2]; [7 9]; [9 3]; [9 8]; [12 28]; [12 43]; [23 1], etc.
Breca.—Beowulf’s opponent in the famous swimming-match.—[9 8]; [9 19]; [9 21]; [9 22].
Brondings.—A people ruled by Breca.—[9 23].
Brosinga mene.—A famous collar once owned by the Brosings.—[19 7].
Cain.—Progenitor of Grendel and other monsters.—[2 56]; [20 11].
Dæghrefn.—A warrior of the Hugs, killed by Beowulf.—[35 40].
Danes.—Subjects of Scyld and his descendants, and hence often called Scyldings. Other names for them are Victory-Scyldings, Honor-Scyldings, Armor-Danes, Bright-Danes, East-Danes, West-Danes, North-Danes, South-Danes, Ingwins, Hrethmen.—[1 1]; [2 1]; [3 2]; [5 14]; [7 1], etc.