Wulfgar

Wulfgar as portrayed by Sebastian Roché in Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

Wulfgar(Name meaning Wolf-Spear) is Herald to King Hrothgar as well as his officer. He is also the chief of his people, the Wendels.

## Background/Origin

Wulfgar is the Herald of king Hrothgar as well as his trusted confident and advisor, he is also the chief of the Wendels.
He is a great warrior, well known for his great wisdom. He is likely also a reference to Odin norse god of wisdom.

## Appearance and Role in Beowulf

Wulfgar appears when Beowulf's group arrive in Heorot, the stronghold of the Danish king Hrothgar.

He is charged with screening visitors and must do so to Beowulf and his companions before they can enter and speak with the king.

He is commonly taken to represent the Heroic attributes of wisdom, diplomacy and general strength of mind being able to stay calm and think under stressful situations.

## Etymology

Wulfgar Translates to wolf spear while not intrinsically having specific meaning both of these things are commonly attributed to Odin the norse god of wisdom relating back to Wulfgar's wisdom

## Strengths and Weaknesses

#### Strengths

Martial prowess

Diplomatic ability

Great wisdom, intelligence and cunning

#### Weaknesses

While adept in combat he can't compare to the major players

## Lines Referenced

#### Translation

Wulfgar replied, a Wendel chief Formalities are renowned as a warrior, well known for his wisdom and the temper of his mind: "I will take this message, in accordance with your wish, to our noble king, our dear lord, friend of the Danes, the giver of rings. I will go and ask him about your coming here, then hurry back with whatever reply it pleases him to give." Heaney (348-355)

With that he turned to where Hrothgar sat, an old man among retainers; the valiant follower stood four-square in front of his king: he knew the courtesies. Wulfgar addressed his dear lord: "People from Geatland have put ashore. They have sailed far over the wide sea. They call the chief in charge of their band by the name of Beowulf. They beg, my lord, an audience with you, exchange of words and formal greeting. Most gracious Hrothgar, do not refuse them, but grant them a reply. From their arms and appointment, they appear well born and worthy of respect, especially the one who has led them this far: he is formidable indeed." Heaney(356-370)

At the door of the hall, 390 Wulfgar duly delivered the message: "My lord, the conquering king of the Danes, bids me announce that he knows your ancestry; also that he welcomes you here to Heorot and salutes your arrival from across the sea. You are free now to move forward to meet Hrothgar, in helmets and armour, but shields must stay here and spears be stacked until the outcome of the audience is clear. Heaney(390-398)

## References

1. ↑ Simpson, J. et. al. (Producers), & Gunnarsson, S. (Director). (2005). Beowulf & Grendel [Motion Picture]. Canada: Eurasia Motion Pictures, United Kingdom: Spice Factory, Iceland: Bjolfskvida (Studios)
2. ↑ BRADY, C. (1983). 'Warriors' in "Beowulf": An analysis of the nominal compounds and an evaluation of the poet's use of them. *Anglo-Saxon England,* *11*, 199-246
3. ↑ Morey, R. (1996). Beowulf's Androgynous Heroism. *The Journal of English and Germanic Philology,* *95*(4), 486-496.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Heaney, S. (2001). *Beowulf: A New Verse Translation*