Hrothgar

Grendel

Grendel is a murderous monster who terrorizes Hrothgar's hall, Heorot, killing his men for years.

Beowulf

Beowulf comes to aid Hrothgar as a loyal ally, and Hrothgar later becomes a mentor and father figure to Beowulf.

Ecgtheow

Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.

Higelac

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

Finn

Finn is a Frisian king involved in a bloody feud with Hrothgar's Danes, culminating in the Finnsburg massacre.

Ecgtheow

Ecgtheow was an ally of Hrothgar, who once sheltered him and settled a blood feud on his behalf.

Grendel

Grendel is a murderous monster who terrorizes Hrothgar's hall, Heorot, killing his men for years.

Finn

Finn is a Frisian king involved in a bloody feud with Hrothgar's Danes, culminating in the Finnsburg massacre.

Beowulf

Beowulf comes to aid Hrothgar as a loyal ally, and Hrothgar later becomes a mentor and father figure to Beowulf.

The Story

King of the Danes who builds Heorot and suffers Grendel's attacks.

Beowulf

King of the Danes, builder of Heorot, and recipient of Beowulf's aid against Grendel.

II: Scyld’s Successors—Hrothgar’s Great Mead-Hall

Son of Healfdene, given glory in battle; he builds Heorot, the great mead-hall, and lavishes treasure at banquets.

Grendel the Murderer

The Scylding king who suffers great sorrow and agony over Grendel's attacks, holding council meetings in private.

IV: Beowulf Goes to Hrothgar’s Assistance

The Danish king, referred to as 'Healfdene's kinsman,' whose long-lasting sorrow from Grendel's attacks prompts Beowulf's journey.

The Geats Reach Heorot

King of the Danes, the lord of the people whom Beowulf seeks to visit and counsel.

VI: Beowulf Introduces Himself at the Palace

The aged king of the Danes, seated with his earlmen, to whom Wulfgar brings the Geats' petition.

Hrothgar and Beowulf

Welcomes Beowulf, recalling his father Ecgtheow and acknowledging Beowulf's strength as a gift from God.

Hrothgar and Beowulf—Continued

Hrothgar, king of the Scyldings, speaks to Beowulf about his father's feud and the devastation Grendel has wrought on Heorot.

X: Beowulf Silences Unferth—Glee Is High

Joyful at Beowulf's bold words; entrusts Heorot to Beowulf's keeping for the night.

XI: All Sleep Save One

Departs Heorot with his earl-throng to seek Wealhtheow.

XII: Grendel and Beowulf

His hall Heorot is the site of the battle; the Danes hear Grendel's cries and are terrified.

Grendel Is Vanquished

The Danish king whose hall is cleansed of evil by Beowulf's victory.

Rejoicing of the Danes

Referred to as 'Hrothgar the gracious' and 'a good king'; he emerges from his wife-bower with his queen to view the wonder.

Hrothgar's Gratitude

Delivers a speech of gratitude, praises Beowulf, and promises to love him as a son.

XVI: Hrothgar Lavishes Gifts Upon His Deliverer

Orders the embellishment of Heorot and bestows generous gifts upon Beowulf, demonstrating his role as a gracious king.

XVII: Banquet (Continued)—The Scop’s Song of Finn and Hnaef

Hrothgar gives costly gifts to Beowulf's men and orders compensation for those slain by Grendel.

XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues

Addressed by Wealhtheow as lord and treasure-bestower; urged to be generous to Beowulf.

XIX: Beowulf Receives Further Honor

Parts to his manor to slumber after the banquet.

XX: The Mother of Grendel

The aged ruler who grieves the loss of his beloved liegeman.

XXI: Hrothgar’s Account of the Monsters

Grieves the loss of Aeschere and recounts the monsters' lair, urging Beowulf to seek vengeance.

XXII: Beowulf Seeks Grendel’s Mother

Grieves for Aeschere but is roused by Beowulf's words; thanks God; mounts his horse and leads the expedition.

XXIII: Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother

Addressed by Beowulf as 'famous kinsman of Healfdene' and 'gold-friend of earlmen'; Beowulf reminds him of their pact.

XXIV: Beowulf Is Double-Conqueror

King of the Danes, awaiting Beowulf's return; the head of Grendel is presented before him and his court.

XXV: Beowulf Brings His Trophies—Hrothgar's Gratitude

Receives the sword-hilt, examines its runic inscriptions, and delivers a speech praising Beowulf while warning against pride, using Heremod as a cautionary example.

XXVI: Hrothgar Moralizes—Rest After Labor

Delivers a moralizing speech to Beowulf, warning against arrogance and reflecting on his own reign and sorrow from Grendel's attacks.

XXVII: Sorrow at Parting

Replies to Beowulf with praise, gifts him twelve jewels, and bids a tearful farewell, sorrowful they may not meet again.

Beowulf and Higelac

Mentioned as the king Beowulf aided at Heorot.

XXX: Beowulf Narrates His Adventures to Higelac

Hrothgar is mentioned as the aged Scylding king who rewarded Beowulf and mourned Aeschere.

Gift-Giving Is Mutual

Mentioned as the giver of the battle-suit and other treasures to Beowulf.

XXXIII: Brave Though Aged—Reminiscences

Referenced in Beowulf's memory of cleansing Heorot and defeating Grendel's kin.

XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts

Not present in this chapter; no mention.