Higelac

Beowulf

Higelac is Beowulf's uncle and king, to whom Beowulf is a loyal nephew and retainer.

Grendel

Grendel is an enemy of the Geatish people, including their king Higelac, due to his attacks on Danes and Geats.

Ecgtheow

Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.

Ohthere

Higelac and Ohthere are rival kings of the Geats and Swedes, engaged in ongoing border conflicts.

Hrothgar

Higelac and Hrothgar maintain diplomatic ties, with Higelac sending Beowulf to aid Hrothgar against Grendel.

Beowulf

Higelac is Beowulf's uncle and king, to whom Beowulf is a loyal nephew and retainer.

Ecgtheow

Ecgtheow served as a warrior under King Higelac, fathering Beowulf within the Geatish court.

Ohthere

Higelac and Ohthere are rival kings of the Geats and Swedes, engaged in ongoing border conflicts.

Grendel

Grendel is an enemy of the Geatish people, including their king Higelac, due to his attacks on Danes and Geats.

The Story

King of the Geats, Beowulf's uncle and lord.

IV: Beowulf Goes to Hrothgar’s Assistance

King of the Geats; Beowulf is referred to as 'Higelac's liegeman,' indicating his allegiance.

The Geats Reach Heorot

King of the Geats, mentioned as the lord and hearth-friend of Beowulf and his warriors.

VI: Beowulf Introduces Himself at the Palace

Mentioned as Beowulf's lord and king of the Geats.

Hrothgar and Beowulf

Beowulf's lord and kinsman, referenced as the Geatish king.

XII: Grendel and Beowulf

Referenced as Beowulf's liege-king; Beowulf is called 'Higelac's kinsman' and 'liege-kinsman worthy of Higelac.'

Grendel Is Vanquished

Beowulf's lord and king, mentioned as the kinsman of the victorious hero.

Rejoicing of the Danes

Beowulf is called 'Higelac's kinsman,' highlighting his loyalty and connection to his lord.

XIX: Beowulf Receives Further Honor

Mentioned as the Geatish king who last had the great necklace before falling in battle against the Frisians.

XXIII: Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother

Beowulf asks Hrothgar to send his treasures to Higelac, the lord of the Geatmen.

XXIV: Beowulf Is Double-Conqueror

Referenced as Beowulf's lord ('Higelac's vassal') during the fight.

XXVII: Sorrow at Parting

Mentioned as the Geatish king Beowulf intends to return to; Hrothgar notes Higelac will permit Beowulf to bring forces if needed.

XXVIII: The Homeward Journey—The Two Queens

King of the Geats, remains at home near the sea-coast; recipient of Beowulf's report.

Beowulf and Higelac

King of the Geats who questions Beowulf about his adventures.

XXX: Beowulf Narrates His Adventures to Higelac

King Higelac listens as Beowulf recounts his deeds in Daneland.

Gift-Giving Is Mutual

King of the Geats, receives Beowulf's report and gifts, and rewards him with Hrethel's heirloom and lands.

XXXIII: Brave Though Aged—Reminiscences

Mentioned as the slain king of the Geatmen, whose death Beowulf survived by swimming away with thirty suits of armor.

XXXIV: Beowulf Seeks the Dragon—Beowulf’s Reminiscences

Beowulf's lord and king, mentioned as one of Hrethel's sons.

XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts

Not present in this chapter; no mention.

XL: The Messenger of Death

Recalled as having fallen in battle against the Franks in Friesland.

The Messenger's Retrospect

King of the Geats who receives Ongentheow's armor and rewards Eofor and Wulf with treasures and his daughter.