Discussion Topic

Hrothgar's relationship with Beowulf and the reasons for his confidence in him

Summary:

Hrothgar's relationship with Beowulf is one of mutual respect and alliance. Hrothgar is confident in Beowulf due to Beowulf's past heroic deeds and his reputation as a formidable warrior. Additionally, the familial ties between their families and Hrothgar's own experience with Beowulf's father further solidify his trust in Beowulf's abilities.

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How does Hrothgar know Beowulf?

Hrothgar was a sixth-century Danish king who features prominently in the epic Beowulf as well as other epics and Danish sources. Before the start of the action of the poem, Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, had killed Heaðolaf, a warrior belonging to the Wulfling clan. This started a blood feud. A way of resolving such a feud was to pay "weregild" or blood money as compensation. Ecgtheow was unable to do this and Hrothgar offered to pay the wergild for him. In return, Ecgtheow swore an oath of friendship to him. This oath bears with it a family as well as a personal obligation and so when Hrothgar needs help because his mead hall is under attack by Grendel, the bonds of this family friendship make an offer of help by Beowulf an appropriate response.

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Hrothgar knows of Beowulf for two reasons. Firstly, he knew Beowulf's father, Edgetho, years ago, as...

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the two men are contemporaries. Secondly, Beowulf's name precedes him. He has already achieved great heroic deeds. These deeds are so impressive that they have spread far and wide, even across the sea to Hrothgar and his people.

This latter element is significant to the themes of the poem as a whole. The hero in Anglo-Saxon culture is typically a warrior. Warriors gain fame by protecting the weak, slaying monsters, and showcasing general physical prowess. Beowulf does all three of these things, hoping to gain a kind of immortality by performing deeds so magnificent that they will continue to be spoken of after he dies.

The fame also benefits others, such as Hrothgar, who does not know who else to turn to when Grendel attacks his people.

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In the Epic Poem Beowulf, the character Beowulf is a typical Epic Hero. This being said, as a typical Epic Hero, his name is renowned. It is through his heroic actions and epic challenges that his name precedes him.

Upon arriving at Hrothgar's lands, Beowulf's arrival is announced by Wulfgar to Hrothgar. Learning of Beowulf's arrival, Hrothgar states that he has heard of Beowulf. Hrothgar admits that he knew Beowulf when he was younger and that he also knew Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow (or Edgetho depending upon translation).

Hrothgar thanks God for sending Beowulf to rid Heorot of the monster Grendel. Given that Beowulf's name has made it to the shores of the Danes, his legendary status in known by all.

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Why should Hrothgar find confidence in Beowulf?

Hrothgar confidently puts his hopes (for safety and victory against Grendel) in Beowulf for a variety of reasons. One very superficial reason is that Beowulf looks the part of a big, strong, brave, experienced warrior. Early in the narrative, Beowulf is on his way to see Hrothgar. A guard stops Beowulf and wants to know Beowulf's purpose, and the guard also comments on what Beowulf looks like:

"Nor have I seen
A mightier man-at-arms on this earth
Than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken,
He is truly noble. This is no mere
Hanger-on in a hero’s armour."

This is the same image that Hrothgar will eventually see. Beowulf also has some very strong and heroic stories tied to his name. For example, we are told that Beowulf has the strength of thirty men.

"Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen carried
As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men’s grapple
Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle."

These things would help to give Hrothgar confidence in Beowulf as an experienced and strong warrior. The final thing that I think would give Hrothgar confidence is that Beowulf seeks him out. Beowulf wants to step into this fight. Beowulf isn't going into this fight because he is cornered and there is no other option—he is confident that he can defeat Grendel, and Hrothgar has to feel confident as well because of that. Beowulf isn't likely to step into a fight that is a guaranteed loss.

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