Hygelac is Beowulf’s uncle and the king of the Geats early in the poem.
Beowulf’s mother is Hygelac’s unnamed sister, making Hygelac his maternal uncle. Hygelac is the son of King Hrethel and belongs to the Geatish royal family. Beowulf grows up among this family and serves Hygelac as a trusted warrior.
Hygelac is not the same ruler as Hrothgar, who is king of the Danes, nor Hrethel, who is Hygelac’s father and predecessor. Onela is a Swedish king connected with the rival Scylfing dynasty. Later, Hygelac dies during a raid against the Franks, and his son Heardred succeeds him before Beowulf eventually becomes king.