A character in Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem by Unknown
The old Geatish king who fostered Beowulf from the age of seven and treated him as a son; grandfather of Beowulf and father of Higelac, who died of grief over kin-slaying among his sons.
Also known as: the hero-king, the jewel-prince, the hoar-headed hero
Inside the story
Hrethel is the old Geatish king and grandfather of Beowulf. He fostered Beowulf from the age of seven and treated him as a son, while ruling as the father of Higelac and the head of his royal family.
An aged Geatish king, hoary and sorrow-worn, seated among treasure and kin in his hall, a fatherly ring-giver of the Hrethling line.
Storieta keeps this cast at your side while you read Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem, portraits, names, and an ask-anything assistant that only knows what you've read so far. No spoilers, ever.
Explore the book page for Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem and read the opening free, with no account needed.
