Who is the king of the Danes in Beowulf?

Hrothgar is the king of the Danes in Beowulf. He is a member of the Scylding royal dynasty and the son of Healfdene. Hrothgar builds Heorot, a magnificent mead hall intended as a center of celebration and community for his warriors.

His reign is threatened when Grendel begins attacking Heorot night after night. Unable to stop the monster, Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf, a hero from the Geatish kingdom, and asks for his help. Beowulf eventually defeats Grendel and later Grendel’s mother, restoring safety to the Danish court.

Hrothgar is more than a helpless ruler waiting for rescue. He is portrayed as an established king, a generous “ring-giver,” and an elder source of wisdom. He rewards Beowulf with treasure and gives him important advice about pride, power, and mortality. The other answer choices belong to different parts of the poem: Wiglaf is Beowulf’s loyal young companion, Beowulf is the Geatish hero, and Hygelac is king of the Geats before Beowulf’s reign.