❝The prince of the rings was too proud to be lined up with a huge army against the sky-plague. He had scant regard for the dragon as a threat, no dread at all for its courage or strength, for he had kept going in the past, through perils and ordeals of every sort, after he had purged Hrothgar's hall.❞
a roleplay blog for Beowulf, a character from the anglo-saxon epic poem of the same name. ( canon divergent )
❝ What kind of weapon do you prefer? I like the smaller, quicker blades. ❞
SENTENCE STARTERS | SKYRIM ( THE COMPANIONS )
❝ My bare hands. ❞ was his response, which had the other known him well would certainly come as no surprise. Beowulf was one to favour those who HARNESSED the power of their own PHYSICAL STRENGTH to press advantage, ❝ It makes the battle more INTIMATE, no? But if I must choose a more conventional weapon … it is the complete opposite of your own choice. Greatswords are among my favoured. ❞
❝ A man who lets his actions speak for him. I knew there was something I liked about you. ❞
SENTENCE STARTERS | SKYRIM ( THE COMPANIONS )
❝ A man may lie through well spoken words, my lady, but his actions will always BETRAY him. ❞ Beowulf replied, his eyes gently fixed upon the young woman in front of him as a subtle smirk began to coil at the edge of his mouth. ❝ – It just so happens I pride myself a TRUTHFUL MAN. That – and whoever believed the pen was MIGHTIER than the sword was a fool. ❞
What had been a feeling of ambitious recollections upon his arrival to these shores, quickly turned sour with the proceedings around him. It was a bitter taste upon Bodvar’s tongue, one that he knew well ( he had swallowed bile for thirteen winters, when thought or word of this place was given toward him ). Aye, he had done what he held desire to do – best Hrethel at his own game, but the lives of his men were at stake. His pride bruised from such little care granted toward him, and his men. They were to aid in this war upon their doorstep – and yes, food and drink aplenty were shared, ( not by his own lips ) but no words. Bodvar and his men remained in the corner they always had of society, stared at – pointed at, but never embraced, nor spoken to. He had been a fucking fool, to expect anything more. Especially from these shores.
He had half a mind to ignore the voice calling out to him – if it were not for the words he was greeted with. Bodvar’s jaw clenched as he turned upon heel toward the direction the voice came. Their king abandons his promise, insults them and their presence here by remaining in his chambers – and now they are offered these words? It was good he had gained experience in such affairs, otherwise his weapons would already be drawn. His men however, were far more restless, and silenced by the raising of his hand.
But he would not be silent – not as he was sure, Hrethel would have it. ❝ — I am no Lord upon these shores. A bastard only, in title and name. Such is evident by the absence of your King. ❞ Would that he could only leave them all to their accursed fate, sooner. It took an ounce of consideration, for the lives of the men at his back, to choose his words carefully. Yet, their edge would not be dulled. They were outnumbered here, yes. That was true – but a berserker can favor no greater odds. If a fight should transpire, he would lead them from these shores, to victory. But all things of this matter cross his mind only, and there is a pause before he responds to the words that wound as they settle.
❝ Do all Geats lack honor enough to not keep their word? ❞
In truth, Beowulf had little regard for their sort. If what he had faced in Zealand was anything to compare, than Beowulf was not surprised that their leader had chosen to throw aside established loyalty and replace it with insult. GRENDEL was a crazed beast in need of being put down and should the need arise for Beowulf to do so again, he would. Without a doubt.
His gaze fixed itself upon the Norwegian leader as he replied to Beowulf’s call out, but instead of appearing to react to insult with disdain all the prince did was let out a boastful laugh to which the hall pleasantly reacted to in suit. ❝ – OUR KING is absent only in order to make himself presentable for the feast, friend. He offers you not only food and mead but a roof over your hand and a gesture of welcome so grand even the KINGS OF OLD would don it worthy. Yet it is you, the BASTARD of Norway, who turns his back and threatens to DISREGARD ALL HONOUR because you cannot sit patiently. ❞ the tone of his voice, once gentle, now bore a semblance of venom in the end of every word. Yet Beowulf had always been brash, especially in his youth, and did not think to realise the DAMAGING effect this might have on Geatland’s relationship with their newfound company. Thankfully, Hygelac knew his nephew better than perhaps himself.
❝ That is enough, BEOWULF! ❞ The elder called out, pushing through the crowd as to stand by his nephew’s side. A fierce gaze glared at the youth and the moment Beowulf caught wind of it he pulled back his AGGRESSION, like a wounded child scolded by harsh words from a parent. ❝ I apologise for my nephew, but he means only to point out my father means you no insult. KING HRETHEL will be along shortly, if you would be wait a moment longer than all misgivings may and will be responded to. ❞
Hey, so I just wanted to give a quick apology for the lack of activity these last two days. I’ve been super busy with work and rehearsals for a production that goes on stage next week. So thank you for being so patient !! I have to head to the theatre in the next hour but hopefully when I get back I’ll have the energy to work on replies.
note: if you've never read Beowulf but would like an easy summary of the story, I recommend this video. It's hilarious and accurate. skip to 1:24 for the summary. [ X ]
Threads & selectivity;
Selective: I am selective in the sense I will not write with other people's characters unless there is a believable reason for them to do so. In most cases this isn't an issue but i prefer to stay clear of youtubers, anime characters, real celebrities.
semi-private: This rule is in place because I've grown tired of writing starters for non-mutuals who never reply back. I am happy to write with anyone but if I don't follow you and you like one of my starter calls I won't respond. If you would like to interact, come into my askbox / IM's with a plot idea. We'll work from there.
quality over quantity: I think I speak for most writers on here when I say good writing is better than four paragraphs of half-assed jumble. So here's a white flag with me telling you that you do not have to match my reply length.
length: personally, I'm comfortable writing anything from one-liners to novella. I do prefer longer threads but that's just my preference.
Characterization:
I have been writing Beowulf for almost four years on and off. The poem is my absolute favourite book ( closely followed by the Iliad ) and so it's safe to say that this character is nearest and dearest to my heart. While I try to keep Beowulf as close to the canon as possible, I have taken my own liberty with his character to flesh him out as more than just a "big strong guy." This means Beowulf is canon divergent to a degree.
headcanons: all characterisation / world-building that is not canon to the poem is my own intellectual property. Do not steal, copy or redistribute in any manner.
Ask / IM:
plotting: I prefer to plot over messenger. Its quicker. Should you have any issues with reaching me on IM then you are welcome to use the askbox but only as a last resort.
Memes: Can be sent by anyone ( regardless of whether we are mutuals or not ) if they are general memes such as " send a $ to know my character's first memory " but more intimate memes like kissing / physical contact / direct interaction and starters are for mutuals only.
relationships / nsfw
single-ship: This is a single-ship account, and unfortunately for all you lads and lasses out there Beowulf is taken.
Platonic shipping: I am 100% down for plotting already established friendships, bromances, hateships, etc. All you need to do is head into the IM's and send your ideas through on how they met, how long they've known each other, and how comfortable they are with one another. All I ask if that you do not try to force anything.
Smut: mun & muse are of age. Will only write it with someone I know really well. Will NEVER write smut with minors.
Triggers:
the mun: I have no triggers, personally.
caution warning: This account does feature mentions of ptsd but also substance abuse and alcoholism. I would like to address the fact that I have never personally suffered from any of these disorders / conditions, but I mean no offense in using them in my characterization. Everything will be tagged accordingly.
The Mun:
Hi, my name's Alex (but most people on here know me as Ali. ) I'm an Australian university student who's been roleplaying for over half a decade now. I have a serious problem when it comes to making roleplay accounts and I currently manage four ( including this one, ) so please be patient with me when it comes to replies.
name . Beowulf Ecgþēowson. titles . king of Gotaland | Þórr’s Wolf | prince of the rings. age . 28 - 30 ( beginning of main verse ) religion . Nordic pantheon / asatru occupation . king of Gotaland.
Considered among the most handsome of men in all of Gotaland, Beowulf is renowned not only for his physical strength but his physical beauty also. Robust, Beowulf stands at a height of 197 cm (6.4’). He is known to possess eyes of the ocean; a deep blue hue. His hair is a golden blond, almost white depending on the light of a room. Beowulf is said to bare the likeness of his father and so when many gaze upon them, they often find themselves reminiscing about a dear friend they once lost long ago.
Ecgþēow . ( Father ) Beowulf's relationship with his father before Ecgþēow died was a good one. He has fond memories of the man and looks forward to their reunion in Valhalla.
Hrēðel .( maternal grandfather ) The most prominent father-figure in Beowulf's life. Hrēðel is a strong, wise king who treated Beowulf as though he were one of his own sons. The two share a very strong bond and it is very likely Beowulf would not be the man he is today without his grandfather's influence.
Brecca the Bronding( brother . unrelated ) In truth, Brecca is Beowulf's best friend but the had grown so close in their childhood that Beowulf now considers the man a part of his family. Aias / Ajax the Greater( husband . alternate universe.) The love of his life. When Aias travelled to Gotaland as a political envoy on behalf of his cousin, Akhellius ( the then king of Thessaly ) they found solace in eachothers understanding for the pains of war and eventually developed feelings for one another. Beowulf treasures no other more strongly. ( exclusive with aisimos )
Throughout the poem, Beowulf is seen as both self-assured, proud, and fearless. He does not have a tendency to doubt his own strength, or that of others for that matter. He is the sort of man to see the best in people even when they themselves cannot see it and it is this quality which makes it easy for the King to get along with others. However, Beowulf is a warrior at heart and thus bares the same ( sometimes ) harsh qualities. Upon the field of battle, Beowulf is a menace to all those considered to be a threat to the kingdom. His rage is often unmatched, as a sheer passion consumes him. When in this state, mercy is not something the Geat tends to consider. Within this state, he is an animal; the fiercest sort. In many ways Beowulf could be considered a double-sided coin. On one side he is gentle, understanding, and polite. On the other he is fierce, demanding and dangerous.
The biological son of the Swedish-born war-chief Ecgþeow and adopted son of King Hreðel of the Geats. Beowulf is known famously for slaying the beast Grendel, his villainous mother, and later ( throughout his own reign as king ) for slaying a wyrm which threatened the safety of the Geatish kingdom. Beowulf’s story can be found in the Old-English epic poem of which shares his name.
EPITHETS:
Þórr’s Wolf: Originally believed to be one of the possible meanings behind Beowulf’s name, Þórr’s Wolf is now used more commonly as an epithet. It derives from the fact Beowulf is favoured by Þórr and further expresses his own faithfulness to the god.
Prince of the Rings: Refers to Beowulf’s status as a Lord and his rank among the thanes as their king.
Beowulf was born to a Waemunding named Ecgþeow and a Geatish princess of whose name remains unknown. When Ecgþeow died ( Beowulf being seven years old at this time ), the young prince was sent to live with his grandfather Hreðel, king of Gotaland. Raised under Hreðel watchful eye, Beowulf learned to fight and soon discovers his talent for warfare, as well as his outstanding strength. As he grew into manhood, Beowulf participated in multiple raids against neighbouring clans.
In his late-teens, Beowulf went on a voyage to Daneland after hearing Hroðgar’s lands were being plagued by a monster. With a strong desire to prove himself, Beowulf journeyed there and managed a feat no other man before him could accomplish; he slayed the monster Grendel and even goes beyond that by killing the beast’s mother as well.
After slaying the monster, Beowulf returned to Gotaland. He fought in the Swedish-Geatish wars, where two kings of Gotaland were slain in battle. Beowulf was then crowned king. Having defeated the Swedish clans, Beowulf reigned for fifty-years in peace before he is once again tested.
A dragon ( stirred from its hoard of gold by a greedy thief ) threatened the peace Beowulf has fought so bravely to protect. Having full trust in his own abilities, Beowulf refused to line up with a large army, for he was too proud. Instead he brought only his Thanes with him but they soon turned their backs when faced with the monstrosity that’s very breath was made of flame. The only Thane to stand by Beowulf was his cousin, Wiglaf. Wiglaf helped Beowulf defeat the dragon, however the king was mortally wounded by a gash to his neck which was also poisoned. The dragon was slain and so was Gotaland’s beloved king.
set during the early events of the poem where Beowulf travels to Daneland to slay Grendel. Beowulf is a young man, more headstrong than in other verses and more glory driven. This verse extends into the Swedish-Geatish wars and provides the opportunity for muses of other blogs to interact with Beowulf while he is still yet a prince. ( available upon request. )
set during Beowulf's fifty year long reign of Götaland ( then known as Geatland ). Beowulf is much wiser and more noble of character in this verse and it is during an intermission of peace. This verse extends from the beginning of his reign to his death by the dragon. It serves as the main verse.
set during the modern era. This is a reincarnation verse but Beowulf is completely unawares of his past life. Known in this verse simply as "Beow" ( shortened version of his given name, ) he lives in Stockholm, Sweden working as a professional for the city's fire department. In this verse rumour has spread of an archaelogical discovery in Västergötland, where archaeologists have found the resting place of an ancient geatish king. It is shortly after this discovery that Beow begins experiencing strange dreams.
set in a fantasy age where despite it being the modern-era, kingdoms of old civilizations still thrive as they once did. Beowulf has been ressurected and has reclaimed the throne of Geatland. This verse is exclusive with aisimos / maegtig, however may be available to other muses who originate from mythology or one of the many epic poems ( e.g. Beowulf, Homer's the Iliad and Odyssey, The Aeneid, etc. )
set in the universe of the Elder Scrolls. Beowulf is a high-ranking soldier in Ulfric's rebellion and a distant descendant of queen Freydis. While a descendant of Skyrim's high kings and queens, Beowulf himself has no direct claim to the throne, nor does he seek for such power. Instead, Beowulf is content to serve if it means freedom for his homeland may yet be restored.
mains
maegtig - Magni & Modi ( sons of Þórr ) Ajax the Greater, Brecca the Bronding.