Section Five – Summary and Analysis: Beowulf Returns to Geatland

After taking leave of Hrothgar, Beowulf and his warriors return to Geatland. Meanwhile, the poet introduces the story of another king, a story-within-a-story. As mentioned above, this is a literary device to foreshadow the events that will unfold and convey a moral lesson to the readers.Hrothgar, Beowulf and his warriors return to Geatland. Meanwhile, the poet introduces the story of another king, a story-within-a-story. As mentioned above, this is a literary device to foreshadow the events that will unfold and convey a moral lesson to the readers.

Queen Modthryth’s conduct is unlike that of Queen Wealhtheow’s and Queen Hygd’s. She does not extend hospitality, or show kindness. She is notorious for punishing men violently even if they merely look at her. In contrast, Wealhtheow and Hygd truly play the roles expected of them under the code of comitatus. Though they do not figure in a major way in the poem, their hospitality and nobility stand apart.

On his return to Geatland, Beowulf gives King Hygelac an account of the events that took place in Denmark. He mentions Hrothgar’s attempt to forge bonds with the Heathobards by arranging his daughter Freawaru’s marriage to Ingeld, son of King Froda. His political acumen makes him foresee that Ingeld would turn against his father-in-law and that the marriage would fail to put an end to the long-standing animosity between the Danes and the Heathobards.

Beowulf then describes his slaying of Grendel and his mother. Hygelac and others are surprised to hear about Grendel’s mother: they had not at all known about her when Beowulf left for Denmark. Beowulf downplays his part in the victories by narrating the events in a subdued manner. The repetition of the story of Beowulf slaying Grendel and his mother is a technique used in oral tradition to help the audience recall key incidents.

As a loyal subject, Beowulf hands over the gifts he had received from Hrothgar to Hygelac. In turn, Hygelac gives Beowulf valuable things, such as a golden sword and some land. This mutual display of loyalty and trust establishes Hygelac’s sovereignty over all that his subjects win on his behalf. It also shows that he is magnanimous in treating his retainers.

Since Beowulf is King Hygelac’s nephew, there is no likelihood of him becoming the king. However, a quirk of fate puts Beowulf on the throne. After Hygelac is killed in battle, Queen Hygd asks Beowulf to assume the throne as her son, Heardred, is too young. Unlike an opportunist waiting to usurp the throne, Beowulf assures her of his support and urges Heardred to become king despite his young age. Heardred’s rule is cut short when he is killed in battle, and Beowulf then becomes the king of Geatland.

The poem does not focus much on Beowulf’s reign. It merely states that Beowulf rules his kingdom for fifty years with peace and prosperity. Though the Geats are free from invasions during his rule, his advancing age makes them vulnerable.