Hrothgar rules the Danes in Beowulf.
Hrothgar is the Danish king of the Scylding dynasty, a legendary royal line associated with Denmark. His fame rests especially on Heorot, the enormous mead hall he builds for his warriors and retainers. The hall becomes the target of Grendel, whose attacks prevent Hrothgar’s people from enjoying the fellowship and celebration it was meant to provide.
Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, travels to Denmark to help Hrothgar. Their relationship is shaped by an earlier connection: Hrothgar had settled a blood feud involving Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow. After Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar rewards him and offers advice about leadership, fame, wealth, and pride.
The Danes are sometimes confused with the Geats because both peoples are central to the poem. The Geats are Beowulf’s people in southern Scandinavia, whereas Hrothgar’s kingdom is Denmark. The Swedes and Franks are also Germanic peoples mentioned in related heroic traditions, but neither is Hrothgar’s nation in Beowulf.