Beowulf Part 5

--Sigemund--.--Son of Waels, and uncle and father of Fitela. His struggle with a dragon is related in connection with Beowulf's deeds of prowess.--14_38; 14_47.

--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]

LIST OF WORDS AND PHRASES NOT IN GENERAL USE.

ATHELING.--Prince, n.o.bleman.

BAIRN.--Son, child.

BARROW.--Mound, rounded hill, funeral-mound.

BATTLE-SARK.--Armor.

BEAKER.--Cup, drinking-vessel.

BEGEAR.--Prepare.

BIGHT.--Bay, sea.

BILL.--Sword.

BOSS.--Ornamental projection.

BRACTEATE.--A round ornament on a necklace.

BRAND.--Sword.

BURN.--Stream.

BURNIE.--Armor.

CARLE.--Man, hero.

EARL.--n.o.bleman, any brave man.

EKE.--Also.

EMPRISE.--Enterprise, undertaking.

ERST.--Formerly.

ERST-WORTHY.--Worthy for a long time past.

FAIN.--Glad.

FERRY.--Bear, carry.

FEY.--Fated, doomed.

FLOAT.--Vessel, s.h.i.+p.

FOIN.--To lunge (Shaks.).

GLORY OF KINGS.--G.o.d.