sea-wind's cloak the ship's mast.
crest-glider a kenning for ship.
Haereth Hygd's father.
Modthrytho an example of a disreputable ruler, possibly based on a fourth-century queen.
kinsman of Hemming here, a reference to Offa.
garrote a metal collar used for execution by strangulation or breaking the neck.
Offa king of the European (not English) Angles.
Eomer son of Offa.
Garmund Offa's father.
Ongentheow a Swedish king.
striplings adolescents, young warriors.
Ingeld a prince of the Heathobards. He will later lead a raid on Heorot and burn it before being routed.
Froda king of the Heathobards, father of Ingeld.
Withergyld a Heathobard warrior.
Hondscio literally, "hand-shoe" or glove. A Geat warrior, he was Grendel's first target the night that Beowulf killed the ogre.
chant-wood a kenning for the scop's harp, with which he accompanied himself as he sang or chanted a story-song.
Heorogar brother of Hrothgar.
Heoroweard son of Heorogar.
Ecgtheow Beowulf's father.
Hrethel Hygelac's father.
