Hygelac

Family: Geats · Role: Geatish lord, Hrethel's son, Beowulf's uncle · First appears: Section V

In Section XVIII, the poem tells ahead that Hygelac, grandson of Swerting, would bear the ring on his last raid and die in his feud with the Frisians. In Section XXII, he is named as Hrethel’s son; Section XXXII names Herebeald and Haethcyn as his brothers.

In Section XXVIII, Hygelac welcomed Beowulf home and asked about his Danish quest. Beowulf told him that Hrothgar had promised Freawaru to Froda’s son to settle a feud. In Section XXIX, Beowulf offered him the gifts from Hrothgar and gave him four horses and arms; Hygelac gave Beowulf a sword, seven thousand hides, a house, and a high-seat. The poem says that Hygelac held his nephew dear.

In later years, Hygelac and Heardred fell in battle. Looking back in Section XXXI, the poem tells that Hygelac died in the Frisian land and Beowulf escaped through his strength and swimming. After Hygelac’s death, Hygd offered Beowulf the hoard and royal seat, but he supported Heardred as ruler. In Section XXXIX, the messenger tells that Hygelac gave Eofor and Wulf Wonreding treasure for their deeds, and gave Eofor his only daughter in marriage.