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Hrothgar, king of the Danes, is a prime example of a great king. He also foreshadows Beowulf`s death in the Hall of Heorot, the story's most important speech. See the related links section below for an analysis of the speech.
When Hrothgar first met Beowulf, he praised his strength and bravery, acknowledging his reputation as a formidable warrior. Hrothgar also expressed hope that Beowulf would be able to defeat the monster Grendel that was terrorizing his kingdom.
King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose hall, Herot, is raided nightly by Grendel for twelve years before Beowulf killed the beast.
The warriors lost hope because they saw that Beowulf was being attacked by Grendel's mother underwater and it appeared that he was in grave danger. They feared that they were witnessing Beowulf's defeat and were not sure if he would emerge victorious.
Grendel tortured Hrothgar's men for 12 years before Beowulf arrived to fight him.
Before Beowulf's arrival, the Danes tried to deal with Grendel by making sacrifices and offerings to appease him. They also attempted to fight him with their warriors, but Grendel proved to be too powerful for them.
Hrothgar, Beowulf, and Danish warriors follow Grendel's mother's trail.
Life at Herot before Grendel's attacks was joyful and prosperous. The warriors celebrated victories, feasted, and enjoyed camaraderie in the mead hall. They felt safe and revered their king, Hrothgar, for his leadership and generosity.
12 years after Grendel first attacked Herot.
Beowulf's words before he left to face Grendel's mother are important because they demonstrate his determination, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting his people. He reassures Hrothgar that he will defeat the new threat and continues to inspire confidence in his leadership and bravery. These words set the tone for the upcoming battle and show Beowulf's sense of duty and honor.
Beowulf's father. Ecgtheow was married to the daughter of Hrethel the Geat and with her fathered Beowulf. He is dead by the time Beowulf actually begins but he was a formidable Geat and was allied with Hrothgar, ruler of the Sheildings before Beowulf was born. Having killed Heatholaf, a Wulfing, Ecgtheow was exiled from Geatland for his people's fear that the Wulfings would start a war to avenge Heatholaf. To save him, Hrothgar paid off the Wulfings, saving Geatland from war and securing an alliance between himself and Ecgtheow.