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.
ATHELING.—Prince, nobleman.
BARROW.—Mound, rounded hill, funeral-mound.
BEAKER.—Cup, drinking-vessel.
BOSS.—Ornamental projection.
BRACTEATE.—A round ornament on a necklace.
EARL.—Nobleman, any brave man.
EMPRISE.—Enterprise, undertaking.
