Hrethel

Hrethel was a King of the Geats in Norse legend and Old English literature. He is primarily known from the epic poem Beowulf.

Hrethel was the father of Herebeald, Hæthcyn, Hygelac, and a daughter who married Ecgtheow and was the mother of Beowulf. The tragic accidental killing of Herebeald by Hæthcyn is a key element of the backstory, as it caused significant emotional distress to Hrethel and ultimately led to his death from grief. He was succeeded as king by Hæthcyn.

Hrethel is presented as a just and respected king who fostered Beowulf in his youth, treating him as a son. His reign is depicted as a period of relative peace and prosperity for the Geats before the internal strife that followed the death of Herebeald. His story provides context for the later actions and familial ties of the characters in Beowulf, particularly Beowulf himself and Hygelac.