Student Question

Did Beowulf marry or have any children?

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Beowulf does not marry or have any children, which is a significant theme in the story. He dies without a direct heir to inherit his kingdom, emphasizing his lack of a physical legacy. This absence of heirs partly motivates his desire to fight the dragon himself, aiming to leave behind a legacy of treasure and fame. Consequently, Wiglaf is named king after Beowulf's death.

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He has no wife and he has no children. This a key thematic point near the end of the story. He has noone to whom he can pass his kingdom. He dies alone. He has no physical legacy - part of the reason he wants to fight the dragon himself. He wants to leave the treasure and fame as part of his legacy.
Since he has no children, Wiglaf is named king.

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