Who is scyld in Beowulf?
The hero of the epic is a Geatish hero who fights a dragon and a monster.Beowulf is the strongest, ablest warrior around.He personifies the best values of the heroic culture in his youth.
Who is Ecgtheow in Beowulf?The father of Beowulf was involved in a blood-feud with the tribe called the Wulfings because he killed a man.King Hrothgar of the Danes "healed the feud by paying" and made compensation to the Wulfings on Ecgtheow's behalf.
There are men who surround a ruler.They are expected to be loyal to their king.The relationship of faithfulness is called comitatus in Anglo-Saxon literature.Even if that meant dying, the thane would protect the ruler and the civilization he stood for.
The young king is killed in a feud despite Beowulf's support.The king of the Geats is Beowulf.The enormous ogre despises mankind's joy.Hrothgar and the Danes were menaced by him for 12 years.