Hrothgar

Plot Importance
King of the Spear-Danes. His reign is prosperous until Grendel begins terrorizing his mead-hall, Heorot.

Hrothgar was a warrior in his day, but is an old man within the timeline of the poem. He is too old to properly defend his people, but both of his sons are too young to take his throne. When word gets out that Grendel is rampaging against Heorot, Beowulf and a small company of Geats sail to Hrothgar's kingdom to lend their assistance to Hrothgar.

Description and Details

 * Hrothgar is identified as a ring-giving lord to all who support him, Dane and Geat alike.
 * Hrothgar once sheltered Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, and paid wereguild on his behalf. In turn, Ecgtheow vowed his allegiance to Hrothgar, and this vow is what brings Beowulf to help Hrothgar with his Grendel problem.
 * Hrothgar is the uncle of Hrolf Kraki, and appears in The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki as well as the poem Widsith.