The king of Geatland at the beginning of the poem "Beowulf" is King Hrothgar.
Beowulf's uncle is Hygelac, the King of the Geats. He is also the husband of Beowulf's aunt, Hygd.
Hygelac's court regarded Beowulf as a promising youth, recognizing his strength, courage, and potential for great deeds. They saw him as destined for greatness and spoke highly of his character and abilities even from a young age.
Beowulf generously shares the treasure he receives with King Hygelac upon his return to Geatland. Hygelac, recognizing Beowulf's valor and loyalty, rewards him with land, houses, a throne, and a helmet. This shows the deep bond and mutual respect between the two esteemed figures.
Beowulf asks Hrothgar to send his body to his ring-giver, King Hygelac, if he doesn't survive his battle with Grendel. As ring-giver, Hygelac is an overlord who provides lands and treasures to this thanes. In addition to being Beowulf's ring-giver, Hygelac is also a kinsman, his uncle.
Beowulf and Hygelac were welcomed warmly at Heorot, King Hrothgar's mead-hall, by the warriors and attendants. Hrothgar and his people were impressed by Beowulf's confidence and bravery, especially after he volunteered to fight the monster Grendel to protect Heorot.
The importance of clan and king to one's identity... apex.././././
Beowulf asks Hrothgar to send his armor to Hygelac if he is unsuccessful in defeating Grendel.
The keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac in Beowulf is Beowulf himself. He is a Geatish warrior who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar of the Danes to defeat the monster Grendel and his mother. Beowulf later becomes the king of the Geats and dies fighting a dragon.
the importance of clan and king to ones identity
In sections X-XIII of Beowulf, the hero Beowulf returns to Geatland and recounts his battle with Grendel and Grendel's mother to his king, Hygelac. He presents the treasures he received from Hrothgar as gifts, and Hygelac praises Beowulf for his bravery and loyalty. Beowulf is then rewarded with a golden banner, an embroidered battle flag, and a sword for his achievements.
Beowulf became king of the Geats after King Hygelac was killed in battle, which occurred after Beowulf defeated Grendel and his mother.