Who is the queen of the Geats, wife of Hygelac?

Hygd is the queen of the Geats and the wife of King Hygelac. She appears in Beowulf after the hero returns from Denmark, where she and Hygelac welcome him back to Geatland. The poem describes Hygd as young, beautiful, wise, courteous, and attentive to the duties expected of a Germanic queen.

Like Wealhtheow at the Danish court, Hygd serves mead and helps maintain the social order of the royal hall. She is more than a ceremonial figure, however. After Hygelac dies during a raid against the Franks, Hygd shows political judgment by offering the kingship to Beowulf rather than immediately placing her young son Heardred on the throne. Beowulf acts as ruler or regent until Heardred is mature.

Beowulf gives Hygd three horses and the splendid necklace he received from Wealhtheow. The poem contrasts Hygd’s generosity and good judgment with the violent conduct associated with the earlier queen Modthryth. Hildeburh, Freawaru, and Wealhtheow are all women connected with other royal families, but none is Hygelac’s wife.