Heardred, Hygelac’s son, rules the Geats before Beowulf becomes king.
After Hygelac is killed in Frisia, his queen Hygd fears that the young Heardred may struggle to defend the kingdom and initially considers offering the throne to Beowulf. Beowulf declines to displace his young cousin, and Heardred is recognized as king of the Geats.
Heardred’s reign becomes entangled in the Swedish succession struggle. The exiled princes Eadgils and Eanmund, sons of the Swedish king Ohthere, receive refuge at his court after their uncle Onela takes power. Onela attacks the Geats, and Heardred is killed in the conflict.
Beowulf then succeeds Heardred as king. Later, he helps Eadgils defeat Onela, linking Heardred’s death to the wider Swedish-Geatish feud.