(2369-2379) “There Hygd offered him throne and Authority…as the ruler of Geatland.”
When Beowulf refuses here I think he is really showing the qualities of a good king. He refuses because he knows that he wont be able to pass up the chance to fight the dragon one day and when that day came he knew that that would most likely be his last battle and he didn’t want to leave the Geats king-less. He thought it would be better to have a king and great warrior two person duo, instead of both just being one man. It was a good idea on his part, except that Hygd really didn’t make a good king which is why his father handed Beowulf the sword and asked him to fill his shoes when he passed.
He is showing respect. And yes there is a suggestin that Hygelac anointed Beowulf, but I'm not sure about the rest of this.
ReplyDelete