Who were the helpers in text Beowulf?

It's tricky to call them "helpers" in the traditional sense, as many of the figures in *Beowulf* have their own motives and agendas. But here's a breakdown of the key figures who aid Beowulf in his quest:

Humans:

* Hrothgar, King of the Danes: He initially gives Beowulf shelter and offers him the chance to defeat Grendel. He is essentially the one who *sets* the stage for Beowulf's heroism.

* Wiglaf: Beowulf's thane and loyal companion, he stays by his side during the dragon fight when all others flee. He is the one who ultimately helps Beowulf defeat the dragon and buries him with honor.

* The Geats: Beowulf's people, who stand ready to fight alongside him against the dragon. However, they are ultimately discouraged by Beowulf's advanced age.

Non-Human:

* The sword Hrunting: Given to Beowulf by Unferth, this sword proves ineffective against Grendel but is later used by Beowulf to kill Grendel's mother. This is a weapon that helps Beowulf but is not a person or sentient being.

* The magical sword in Grendel's mother's cave: This unnamed sword, forged by giants, is what ultimately slays Grendel's mother. It's a powerful tool but not a "helper" in the sense of a conscious entity.

Important Note: While the above characters are significant, it's important to remember that Beowulf is ultimately a lone hero. He doesn't rely on others for victory as much as he relies on his own strength, courage, and skill.