Who is Beowulf's father?

Beowulf’s father is Ecgþeow, also written Ecgtheow or Edgetho in modernized spellings. The poem identifies him as a respected warrior who belonged to the Wægmundings, a family or clan associated with the Geats and Swedes.

Ecgþeow became involved in a feud after killing Heaðolaf, a member of the Wulfing clan. Because the resulting compensation was too high for him to pay, he sought refuge with King Hrothgar of Denmark. Hrothgar settled the feud by paying the required wergild, or compensation.

That earlier act explains why Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf when he arrives to fight Grendel. Beowulf is not merely seeking fame; he is also repaying the debt owed to his father’s protector. Hrothgar later recalls Ecgþeow’s history during their conversations.

Ecgþeow is not one of the monsters or kings Beowulf fights. Hygelac is Beowulf’s maternal uncle and Geatish king, while Wiglaf is Beowulf’s young kinsman and loyal companion in the dragon battle. Hrothgar is the Danish king whose hall Grendel attacks.