Who is Hygelac?
Hygelac. Beowulf’s uncle, king of the Geats, and husband of Hygd. Hygelac heartily welcomes Beowulf back from Denmark.
Is Hygelac a real person?
Hygelac (Old English: Hygelāc; Old Norse: Hugleikr; Proto-Germanic: *Hugilaikaz; Latin: Ch(l)ochilaicus or Hugilaicus; died c. 521) was a king of the Geats according to the poem Beowulf.
Why is Hygelac important in Beowulf?
Hygelac is Beowulf’s king and uncle. His role is mostly a background one, he provides the support for Beowulf and welcomes him back after he defeats Grendel and Grendel’s mother. When Beowulf was a boy, his father Ecgtheow dies, he is then taken in by King Hygelac as a ward.
Is Beowulf related to Hygelac?
Beowulf A Geat, son of Edgetheow and nephew of Hygelac, lord of the Geats. The hero of this story. Breca Beowulf’s best friend. He once took part in a famous swimming contest with the hero.
How is Hygelac described?
Hygelac is depicted as a kindhearted, strong leader. He is also generous with those who are loyal to him.
Is Hygelac a good king?
Late in the epic, we also learn that Hygelac was Beowulf’s foster-brother when they were children, and that Beowulf is his nephew. Hygelac is a good-hearted and strong king who eventually dies in the way every Scandinavian warrior hopes to go—in battle!
Where is Hygelac in Beowulf?
Hygelac, King of the Geats, in Beowulf Geats, often translated as Goths (no, not the kids all in black down at the mall) lived in Gotaland in what is modern-day Sweden. They were a northern Germanic tribe that is probably best known for the sacking of Rome, but they had a very long presence in historical records.
Who is the most loyal to Beowulf?
Loyalty & Family He also honors the young warrior with ‘lands, seven thousand hides, a hall, and gift-throne. ‘ As a result, Hygelac has Beowulf’s undying loyalty.
Why does Hygelac give Beowulf a sword?
This generosity demonstrates respect and loyalty. In return, Hygelac presents Beowulf with an extremely valuable gold sword that once belonged to King Hrethel; he makes Beowulf a lord, officially granting him land, his own great hall, and a “gift-throne” (2196).
Who becomes king after Beowulf’s death?
At Beowulf’s command, Wiglaf gathers treasure from the dragon’s lair and piles it where Beowulf can see it. The dying Beowulf tells Wiglaf to “watch his people’s needs” (by which he means that Wiglaf is to become the next king.)
Who killed Hygelac Beowulf?
Hygelac died during the raid on Frisia, killed by the Hetware people, and the event is also mentioned in Beowulf. The author of Beowulf likely learned of the events via oral history. Detail of image depicting battle between Geats and Frankish tribes, 515 C.E.
What does Hygelac stand for?
Hygelac ( Old English: Hygelāc; Old Norse: Hugleikr; Proto-Germanic: * Hugilaikaz; Latin: Ch (l)ochilaicus or Hugilaicus; died c. 521) was a king of the Geats according to the poem Beowulf.
Was Hygelac a Gautar or a Geat?
Except in Beo. and the Liber Monstrorum, Hygelac is referred to as a king of the Danes, rather than the Geats or Gautar. In Saxo Grammaticus and Sturluson as well, Hugletus/Hugleikr (Hygelac) is called a king of the Danes. — Missip1 (talk) 16:03, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
Is Hugleik related to Hygelac?
Hugleik or Ochilaik (a namesake of Hygelac) was a Swedish king of the House of Yngling, according to the Ynglinga saga. He was the son of Alf and Bera . Some commentators assimilate Hugleik with his namesake, the Geatish king Hygelac.
What is Hygelac in Beowulf?
Hygelac (Old English: Hygelāc; Old Norse: Hugleikr; Proto-Germanic: *Hugilaikaz; Latin: Ch(l)ochilaicus; died c. 521) was a king of the Geats according to the poem Beowulf.