English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the epic poem Beowulf, Ecgtheow was the father of the Danish king Hrothgar. This is the case because Ecgtheow was a Geatish chieftain, who was exiled to the land of the Danes and married Hrothgar's mother. Unferth was a Danish warrior and later an ally of Beowulf, but he was not related to Hrothgar by blood. Wealhtheow was the queen of Hrothgar, not his father. Wiglaf was a young warrior and kinsman of Beowulf, but he was not related to Hrothgar either. Therefore, the best answer is A, Ecgtheow.