Hrothgar is the son of Healfdene and is the husband of Wealhtheow. Hrothgar is the reigning king of the Danes and is very successful; not only as a king but also as a warrior. To memorialize his great and numerous successes he has a large mead-hall constructed. Hrothgar is getting very old and lacks the strength and bravery he once had in his youth, but he still is a very wise king who is concerned about the well-being of his people.

A warrior's greatness is determined by their courage and wisdom, and Hrothgar possesses both of these. Hrothgar is so great a warrior that his skill demanded others' respect; "Then to Hrothgar was granted glory in battle, mastery of the field; so friends and kinsmen gladly obeyed him." (Beowulf 63-65). Hrothgar is extremely prideful of all his victories and accomplishments, so he built the mead-hall, later called Herot...