# Hrethel — Beowulf character guide

> Hrethel in Beowulf by Anonymous.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0035-xxxiii-brave-though-aged-reminiscences

## Who they are

Former king of the Geats and grandfather of Beowulf, mentioned in Beowulf's reminiscences.

## In the story

### [Hrothgar and Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/vii-hrothgar-and-beowulf)

Mentioned as the Geatish king who granted Ecgtheow his daughter in marriage.

### [Gift-Giving Is Mutual](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxi-gift-giving-is-mutual)

His heirloom, a gold-adorned weapon, is given to Beowulf by Higelac.

### [XXXIV: Beowulf Seeks the Dragon—Beowulf’s Reminiscences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxiv-beowulf-seeks-the-dragon-beowulf-s-reminiscences)

The Geatish king who raised Beowulf after his father's death, remembered fondly by Beowulf.

### [XXXV: Reminiscences (Continued)—Beowulf’s Last Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxv-reminiscences-continued-beowulf-s-last-battle)

Mentioned as the Geatish king who grieved over Herebald's death and left his land and fortress to his sons.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters/hrethel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beowulf_se/characters